Ever been deeply hurt by someone you trust? A close friend. A family member. Even someone from church. These moments can leave lasting wounds and create distance where love once lived. Yet Scripture offers hope, healing, and a clear path forward for a believer who sins. In Matthew, Jesus gives us simple but powerful instructions for dealing with sin, restoring relationships, and protecting unity within the church.
Let’s walk through His teaching together and discover how a believer who sins—and those affected by it—can find grace, forgiveness, and peace.
The Believer Who Sins – When Someone Hurts You
Most of us have experienced painful conflict at some point. Sometimes we are the ones who are wronged. Other times, we are the ones who cause hurt. Either way, Christ provides a loving and practical solution.
In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus explains how believers should handle personal conflict and sin within the church. His instructions help us deal with sin in a way that restores relationships rather than destroying them.
When a Friend Does You Wrong
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.” (Matthew 18:15)
“But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.” (Matthew 18:16)
“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.” (Matthew 18:17)
“Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)
“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:19–20)
Who Was Jesus Talking About?
In these verses, Jesus is speaking primarily to His followers. Many Bible scholars agree that this message is directed toward Christians and situations involving sin within the church family. In other words, this teaching focuses on how believers handle conflict when someone in the church does something wrong.
Can You Be a Believer and Still Sin?
This is an important question, and the honest answer is yes. A believer who sins is still a believer. While salvation changes our hearts, it does not make us perfect. Christians still struggle with temptation, bad habits, emotional wounds, and flawed choices.
That is why Scripture teaches us not only about forgiveness but also about dealing with sin wisely and lovingly. Learning how to respond when someone falls short protects both relationships and spiritual growth.
When Someone Sins, Are We Meant to Judge Them?
Jesus is not telling us to walk around pointing fingers or confronting everyone we disagree with. Nor are we meant to gossip, criticize, or spread rumors. Instead, He gives us a gentle, structured process that promotes healing rather than shame.
The goal is not punishment. The goal is restoration, reconciliation, and peace.
Get It Out in the Open
When someone hurts us, our natural response is often to withdraw, hold onto resentment, or talk to others about it. Unfortunately, that only deepens emotional wounds and creates division.
Jesus calls us to do something harder but healthier: go directly to the person involved. Private, respectful conversation allows truth and healing to begin without public embarrassment or unnecessary conflict.
Approach with Gentleness and Grace
This step can feel intimidating. Many of us fear confrontation. However, when we speak with humility and love, healing becomes possible.
Explain how their actions affected you. Listen carefully to their response. Offer forgiveness freely, just as God forgives us. In many cases, this gentle approach restores broken friendships and strengthens church unity.
If you’d like to study how grace transforms broken lives, the story of Mephibosheth offers a powerful lesson: Mephibosheth: A Lesson About Grace.
Prayer Comes First
Before addressing conflict, always pray. Ask God for wisdom, patience, humility, and clarity. Invite Him to guide your words and soften both hearts.
God often works behind the scenes in ways we do not expect. When we surrender the situation to Him, He brings peace in His perfect timing.
For deeper insight into protecting others—especially children—from spiritual harm, read this important lesson: Causing Children to Sin.
Walking in Love and Forgiveness
Dealing with sin is never easy. Still, Jesus shows us that love, honesty, prayer, and humility lead to healing. When we follow His example, relationships can be restored and faith strengthened.
Love in Christ,
Bob
Want to Learn More About God’s Love?
If you would like to understand more about salvation and the life-changing message of Jesus, take a moment to read John 3:16. It beautifully explains God’s love and His invitation to every heart.
You can explore more Bible-based lessons and Christian encouragement at Making Christ Known, a helpful resource for growing deeper in faith.
*Verses from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
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