https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20260907ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion 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. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:15-16, 20 I Am My Brother’s Keeper “I’m telling!” If I had a nickel for every time I heard these words in my classroom or during childcare, my offerings would surely fund a new building project! Tattling is an instinct in even the youngest of children and helping them learn when “telling” is right or wrong is both a joy and a burden to parents and teachers alike. At times, the appropriate response is to intervene or assist in conflict resolution. As children mature, I find myself responding with a simple, “Did you talk to your friend about that first?” When true tattling is at its peak, I tend to respond with a simple, “Thank you for telling me,” or “I’m sorry that happened.” Both of these serve as my polite way of communicating that I just don’t need to know. Then the conversation moves to how to let go of the thing that happened in the past and move forward. This is not always easy, for children or adults alike. In Matthew 18, Jesus uses a child to teach his disciples and us how to deal with one another when we see others sin. In verse 15, he tells us, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” It is tough to go directly to another person and—in love—to point out sin. But it is something that our Lord himself commands. Jesus reminds us that when Christian brothers and sisters sin, he wants us to address it. Following this command in a world full of sin is difficult, to say the least. When a friend or family member has done wrong, our sinful nature would rather “tattle” to others than go to that friend or family member directly. How blessed we are to have the words of our Savior in Scripture to guide us in these difficult situations! The Savior gave his life for us on the cross; so, he gives us free forgiveness for when we do not follow his commands. That same Savior understands our burdens; so, he gives us direction and guidance on how to address sin. That same Savior also gives us the power and right to forgive others’ sins. When we have “won over” a brother or sister in Christ, we have the privilege of proclaiming, “God forgives you, and by his authority I do, too.” As dear children of God, may we strive to take each other’s words and actions in the kindest possible way. When sin enters the picture, may we approach one another in love. May we teach our children at an early age to go to one another in those moments as well, out of love for Jesus and one another. And when we win others over, may we be quick to proclaim forgiveness to them. Prayer: Dear Jesus, Thank you for providing us with guidance when others have wronged us. Please work in our hearts to push out the sinful desires of Satan, the world, and our sinful flesh when we see sin in others. Fill our hearts with the same love you continually show to us and help us to approach one another according to your Word. In your name we pray. Amen. Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
