To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 6, Day 3 - Forgiveness is a Foundational Blessing

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church; and if he refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 18:15–18

Confronting sin in our brothers is one of the most difficult aspects of living a Christian life. Society and culture tell us that we should have the freedom to live our lives the way we see fit without anyone judging us or our decisions. The problem with this is that, ultimately, it isn’t a very loving approach toward our brothers in the Faith. Freedom without truth and sin without reconciliation lead to unrighteous living — and that, left unchecked, will lead inevitably to destruction.

While we must leave final judgment up to God, Catholic men are called to recognize sin for what it is, and speak truth into the lives of other men when we see it. From a practical perspective, there are ways we can challenge our brothers to overcome sin without condemning them. Jesus left the Church the means of confronting sin and restoring individuals to fellowship. We can draw from the strength of the Body when we work for unity and reconciliation for all our brothers.

It is important to approach faults in others with gentleness, respect, and humility. We must always remember that we also fall (cf. 1 Cor 10:12). Our focus should be on our concern for our brothers, not with our self-righteous need to prove we are “better” than they are. We need to be ready to explain our position, forgive the hurt, and walk the path of reconciliation. Together we must lift one another up and remain strong as believing brothers, united in the cause of Christ, who calls us to purity and perfection in his name.

Questions for Reflection

When have you had to confront sin in a brother, and how did you handle it? Has a brother ever had to confront you? How did it help you?

What do you do to hold yourself accountable before you point out any sin in another?

What are some practical ways you can help to walk with a brother facing sin today?

Praying with Scripture

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:32)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE