Scripture
Primary passage
Matthew 18:15–20
Primary passage · World English Bible
Luke
Luke 17:3–4
Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible
The command
Hear what Jesus commands.
Address a fellow disciple's sin directly and progressively with restoration, truth, and accountable community as the goal.
In context
Hear the whole passage.
Jesus gives a measured process beginning with private conversation, widening only when necessary, while Luke joins rebuke to repentance and forgiveness.
What this reveals
What this reveals about God.
Jesus forms communities that neither gossip about sin nor ignore it, but pursue truth, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.
Practice this command
Take one concrete step.
If a safe conversation is needed, speak privately about one specific action and its impact, listen carefully, and avoid recruiting others before the first step is attempted.
Discuss
Talk about it.
How do privacy, evidence, accountability, forgiveness, and safety work together in Jesus' process?
Pray
Pray this.
Jesus, make us truthful and restorative. Guard us from gossip, avoidance, retaliation, and misuse of authority.
Teach
Teach it simply.
Do not apply this process mechanically to abuse or crime; protection, reporting, and qualified help may need to precede private confrontation.
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