Jesus continued to build upon his statement that offenses will come to all; however, those offenses (stumbling blocks) should not come from his disciples. The type of offense Jesus meant is a behavior or attitude that leads another to sin, especially a brother or sister in Christ. I am to watch myself so I am not the cause of another’s sin.
But what if my behavior or attitude causes someone to sin? And what if someone else’s behavior or attitude causes me to sin? Jesus addresses both next and in more detail in Matthew 18:15-17. If my brother or sister sins, and causes me to sin I am to rebuke them (3b). If he repents, then I am to forgive them. This cycle can continue seven times a day and each time I am to forgive them. Jesus says seven times in a day here. When Peter asked him about forgiving on another occasion Jesus told Peter seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).
Some natural impulses when someone sins against me or I sin against another are:
1) Ignore the problem and hope it goes away. This seems righteous, but according to Jesus, it is not.
2) Hold a grudge.
3) Complain to others about that person.
4) Strike out against them and to get even.
5) Wait until they come to us.
6) Publicly criticize.
7) Go to the congregation’s leader and complain about the one who offended me.
These reactions when I am sinned against are because of my hurt feelings and the selfish need for either gratification or personal healing.
Proverbs 11:30 states, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Colossians 3:13 states, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
