When You Are Offended, Let Your Brother Know

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. —Matthew 18:15 (NKJV)

As a Christian, do you know that you are not permitted to harbor offense against your fellow brother or sister in Christ? Are you aware that if a fellow believer offends you, you are expected to let them know, so the matter can be peacefully resolved?

In case you didn’t know, now you do. Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly instructs us in today’s opening text: when a brother sins against you, don’t keep it to yourself—go and speak with them privately. Jesus understood that keeping quiet about an offense can be dangerous. Why? Because silence often breeds resentment. And when resentment festers, it can eventually lead you into sin.

So instead of bottling it up and brooding over it, Jesus recommends a better approach: go and let the person know. Sadly, many today choose to sulk or remain bitter, but that is not God’s will for us. Such attitudes only lead to stumbling spiritually and hurting relationships within the Body of Christ.

Having received this clear instruction from the Lord, it’s now your responsibility to obey it. Don’t keep things in your heart against anyone in the faith who has wronged you. In fact, make it a habit not to be easily offended. But if you ever do feel hurt, go directly to the person who offended you and lovingly let them know what happened.

When you do this, you are giving them the opportunity to reflect and change. At the same time, you’re giving yourself the freedom to release the hurt and be healed. The longer you carry resentment, the heavier your heart becomes.

So, who has offended you recently? Who caused you pain or disappointment? Don’t hold it against them. Instead, go to them—privately—and let them know. Whether or not they listen, you’ve already done your part and cleared your conscience. But chances are, they will listen. And when they do, as Jesus said, you have gained your brother.

Today’s Rhema

Don’t hold back the offense—let it out, and you will gain a brother!

Confession for the Day

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the wisdom You have given me today through Your Word. I refuse to hold resentment against anyone. I choose to communicate offenses with the people involved, and as I do, my relationships are improving, in Jesus’ name. Amen!