“The Grace of Fraternal Correction”
Reflection on Matthew 18:15-20
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus teaches us about dealing with conflicts within the Christian community. He says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens, you have won over your brother.” These words remind us that relationships in the Church are not meant to be disposable. Instead, they are to be healed, nurtured, and restored whenever possible.
Notice how Jesus places the responsibility first on the person who was hurt. In our culture, it is easy to avoid difficult conversations or to speak about the problem to others before speaking to the person directly. But Jesus asks us to take the harder, humbler path — to speak personally, privately, and with love. The aim is never to shame, but to reconcile.
If that first step doesn’t work, Jesus tells us to involve others — not to gang up on the person, but to bring wisdom, perspective, and objectivity into the situation. And if even then reconciliation is not possible, the Church as a community becomes involved, because unity in Christ is a shared responsibility. This process shows how much value God places on peace and harmony among His people.
Jesus also gives a profound assurance: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” This means that even the difficult work of confronting sin and repairing relationships is holy work — because Christ Himself is present in those conversations. We are not left to handle them alone.
Fraternal correction, done with humility and love, is not just about pointing out faults; it’s about helping each other grow in holiness. It’s about seeing a brother or sister as God sees them — a beloved soul worth the effort of reconciliation.
Key Takeaway:
True Christian love does not ignore wrongdoing, nor does it seek revenge; it seeks healing. When we courageously and lovingly address conflicts, Christ is present, and His peace can restore our relationships.
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