Original Broadcast: August 2010
Monthly Theme: Eighth Commandment
If your brother sins against you,
go and show him his fault,
just between the two of you.
(Matthew 18:15)
Here we have the Eighth Commandment in action. This is the first verse of the major text concerning church discipline. But, moreover, it is the way Christians should communicate with each other when they sin against each other. When someone sins against you, don't spread it around town. You wouldn't want them to do that with your sins, would you?
Sins are to be handled one-on-one. When you sin, you should go to the one whom you have sinned against to receive forgiveness. Since every sin is a sin against God, you may also seek Absolution from Him. But don't just seek forgiveness from Him. Although your sins may be forgiven by God, your relationship with your neighbor still needs to be repaired. You cannot go about your life as if everything is ok if you have not been reconciled with the neighbor you've sinned against.
As God has forgiven you, so also you should forgive those who come to you and ask it. Jesus reminds us, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" and, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 6:14-15; 7:12).
Ask and you will receive. Jesus wishes to give you His forgiveness. So do those who you have sinned against who are true believers in Christ. Amen.
