Walking in the Ministry of Reconciliation

Devotional

“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:19–20 (Ezekiel 33:7–9)

In today’s world, one of the most misunderstood biblical principles is the idea of correction. Many are quick to quote “Judge not, that ye be not judged” Matthew 7:1 whenever sin or error is addressed. Yet, this verse warns against hypocritical judgement, not righteous discernment.

The Bible does not call believers to turn a blind eye to sin. Instead, it encourages correction that is rooted in love, humility, and a desire for restoration. Paul exhorts, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently” Galatians 6:1. Similarly, 2 Timothy 4:2 urges us to correct and encourage “with great patience and careful instruction.”

True Christian love does not ignore wrongdoing; it confronts it with grace. As Proverbs 27:5 says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not to condemn, but to guide others back to the truth of God’s Word.

Correction, when done in the Spirit, is not judgement—it’s an act of love.

The motive behind correction dictates both the style and the process. When we carefully examine our intentions, we are more likely to find a way that is both loving and aimed at producing a godly outcome.

This is not always easy, but it is essential. Our motive to correct must first be tempered through two key steps: first, by examining our own heart; and second, by considering the outcome we hope to achieve—even when we are persuaded that God is prompting us to address an issue.

Jonah is a clear example. Although he eventually delivered God’s message to Nineveh, his attitude revealed a lack of compassion. This reminds us that obedience without a godly heart falls short of God’s desire for His messengers.

According to the Bible, correction must be handled privately and person-to-person. If you find yourself discussing your intentions to correct someone with others, you are likely stepping into the territory of gossip. A pure motive cannot coexist with a desire to pass your observations on to someone else instead of addressing the person directly.

Let’s say you’ve done the right thing—you are now in a conversation with your brother or sister. At this point, it’s crucial not to argue or become defensive. Correction is not a debate; it’s a ministry of reconciliation and truth.

Paul provided Timothy with a godly principle for such moments:
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” 2 Timothy 2:24–25.

It’s important to discern whether the issue at hand is a sin against you or a sin against God. The Bible makes a clear distinction between the two, and each requires a different approach.

When someone has sinned against you personally, Jesus gives a specific instruction:
“If your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone” Matthew 18:15. This is a private matter, to be addressed quietly and with a desire for reconciliation.

On the other hand, when the issue is not personal—when the sin is against God or involves a public moral failing—it still must be handled with love and gentleness, but with a view toward restoring the person to godliness.

In all these, Jesus’s teaching speaks to sensitivity of conscience and the proactive nature of reconciliation. In Matthew 5:23–24. He doesn’t say, “If you know someone has something against you,” but rather, “if you remember that your brother has something against you”

The ministry of reconciliation is not just about evangelism—it is also about restoring our brothers and sisters in Christ with gentleness, humility, and truth. Correction, when rightly motivated and lovingly delivered, becomes a tool in God’s hand to heal, restore, and strengthen the body of Christ.

As followers of Jesus, we must be both courageous and compassionate—willing to speak the truth, but always with love as our guide. Let us examine our hearts, seek the Spirit’s leading, and pursue peace wherever there is division. May we be ministers of grace, not just defenders of truth, and may our words and actions always point others back to the heart of God.