It might just be one of the hardest commandments in the entire Bible to keep. Jesus said, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over” (Matthew 18:15). 

Do you know why this is so agonizing? Why your palms leak like 1940s plumbing and you delete your text before your thumb pushes the blue arrow to send it? Why you decide to talk about someone who hurt you instead of to the person who hurt you? Because the devil knows the power of forgiveness. Over the millennia, the enemy has seen the power of peacemakers. He’s witnessed that one step—going and showing—that clears up so many misunderstandings, builds so much empathy, and offers a chance to forgive in Jesus’ name. The reason it feels so hard is because it is so holy.

Is there a hard conversation you need to have today? Has someone sinned against you, causing two parts of Christ’s body to become disjointed? If a name or a face pops into your head during this paragraph, can I encourage you to trust Jesus’ wisdom and start a conversation? Don’t worry if you don’t want to. That’s just the devil whispering in your ear.

For the sake of your heart, that person’s soul, and Jesus’ church, go and show the sinner his or her sin. I will pray that the Holy Spirit helps your words win that person over. I will pray for a restoration of unity in your church.