WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND OUT

"If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them, and if they repent, forgive them."

Do you know what you might find out if you have been sinned against by a brother or sister in Christ and you decide to obey the Lord's command in Luke 17:3 and actually confront that person face to face and put forward an honest and respectful rebuke in hope of repentance?

Maybe ... he is sincerely sorry.

Maybe ... she really is unaware of the hurt she caused.

Maybe ... he actually wants to be a better person.

Maybe ... it was all a misunderstanding.

Maybe ... her actions and words were somewhat justified.

Maybe ... you were just as much in the wrong.

Maybe ... he had a good reason you just weren't aware of.

Maybe ... you misheard her.

Maybe ... it was in retaliation for a hurt you caused him. 

And maybe ... just maybe ... a deep, Christ-honoring reconciliation is possible.

And do you know what you won't find out if you decide instead to disobey Luke 17:3? 

Anything that might disturb your sweet, smug embrace of a self-righteous anger against a fellow servant of Christ.