FORGIVENESS OF OFFENSES: Restoring a Brother is an Affirmation of Love

November 6th, 2023

The theme for this week’s Devotional is Forgiveness of Offenses. We have all been down this street at some point in our walk with Jesus and our Devotional Team has penned some wonderful and timely encouragement for your hearts.

SCRIPTURE: “If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens, you have won your brother. But if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you, so the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established.” Matthew 18:15 CSB, (Also read Matthew 18:16-17)

Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians encourages the church of believers to pursue “brotherly love” in the context of family. He speaks of “brotherly love” in the context of community of believers – the church (Thessalonians 4:9). A believer is generally a member of the local church, living under the authority of Christ Jesus in fellowship and accountability to another. The Church (saints) is about living holy, grace (unmerited favor), and demonstrating tough love as dealing with a conflict between brethren-directly and privately, rather than publicly grievance or with revenge. As speaking to brethren: “If a believer is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness" (Gal. 6:1). My brother has walked away from the Lord. Help them in the process, to come to repentance and thus return back to God.

The Bible addresses relational situations that confront believers plus give appropriate responses Scripturally. This time it is a matter of sin between brethren (Matthew 18:15-18). This passage of Scripture emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness in relationships, as well as the need for accountability and justice when a wrong has been committed. The Lord’s eyes are on the righteous-therefore, “When you help a fellow believer in trouble due to sin, you must do so with a gentle spirit. Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another. sympathy, be tender hearted, a humble mind, and courteous (I Peter 3:8);” be kind to one another, even as God in Christ forgave you; be imitators of God, walking in LOVE as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us (Ephesians 4:12).”

This brother, who has sinned, is a fellow believer. (see I Peter 1:22 NKJ)- “Since obeying the truth through the Spirit, love one another fervently.” A true believer does not intentionally “cause another to stumble” (I Corinthians 8:13): or “pass judgement or hinder the way of a brother “(Romans 14:13); or withhold his hand when another who reaches out in need (Deuteronomy 15:9). There should be an all-out ministry of the Word from the Lord, concerning another brother’s sin, and “if he listens, -you have gained your brother “… demonstrating a confirmation of LOVE to a fellow believer. (Matthew 18:15). Fervently, pray without ceasing, that the Lord might lead this sinking vessel (brother) unto repentance.

Prayer: Thank You Lord, for haven given unto us Your divine ways of relational living one with another in unity. There are examples of such throughout Your Word and we are grateful. For, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity. “Brotherly love” seeks the best interest of other believers with a pure heart, which is an affirmation of LOVE. Thanks for Your ministry of reconciliation. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Submitted by Novella D Carpenter