Go to the Person with a Purpose of Restoration
Go to the Person with a Purpose of Restoration: an original Matthew 18:15-17 KJV devotional with biblical context and practical application.
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
Matthew 18:15-17 KJV
A wrong often tempts us to speak first with everyone except the person involved. We seek agreement, rehearse the account, and allow a private grievance to become a public identity. Jesus gives a more responsible direction for matters suited to this process: begin with truthful, direct care.
Read the passage carefully
This passage is not a rule that victims must privately confront an abuser or that crimes must be kept away from lawful authorities. Immediate safety, mandatory reporting, and serious wrongdoing require appropriate action. The instruction concerns responsible dealing with sin among believers, and it must be applied alongside the rest of Scripture's teaching about justice and protection.
For an ordinary interpersonal wrong, prepare the conversation carefully. State what happened accurately, listen to the response, and distinguish a fact from an assumption about motive. Seek correction and restoration rather than a victory in which the other person is humiliated. If the matter continues, involve appropriate witnesses or leadership instead of expanding a circle of gossip. Those helping should remain fair and attentive to evidence.
Carry this truth into the day
Christ's grace makes truthful repair possible. We are all dependent upon mercy, yet that dependence does not make wrongdoing unimportant. A healthy church needs both compassion and accountability. If you are the person approached, listen before defending yourself and receive a valid correction with humility. If you are bringing the concern, keep the person's good in view. The Lord's instruction gives relationships a better chance than either silent resentment or public accusation without careful process. Love is willing to speak about a real wrong, and it takes the trouble to speak in a way directed toward truth, safety, and the recovery that repentance can make possible.
Why the setting matters
Jesus gives instruction for addressing a brother's sin, beginning with a direct conversation and moving to witnesses and the church when necessary. The aim includes gaining the brother through truthful correction.
Continue in the Word
Read further: Matthew 18 in the King James Bible.