Luke 17: 3 – 4 Correcting Your Brother

Luke 17: 3 – 4 Correcting Your Brother

"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him."

This brief two verse scripture is astonishing. If your brother does wrong, correct him. If he repents, forgive him. Plain and simple. No words of retribution, no penances, no judgment, no condemnation. And not just once, but seven times a day (which I think means, as many times as necessary). Jesus counsels compassion and patience. We know right from wrong and should try to do that – in our own actions. That we can control and will be held accountable for. Other than that we have little we can and should do. Jesus is saying in this scripture, do not judge others, forgive them. That should take a load off of all of our shoulders.