Leading The Way - Devotional for August 18
August 18, 2025
The Truth About Matthew 18: Restoring in Love
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Matthew 18:15-17.
To preserve the beauty and unity of God’s design for His Church, we must follow His instructions—not our feelings or preferences. He gave us His God-breathed Word, “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Much of this language—rebuking, correcting, training—is talking about discipline, a key piece of discipleship. And remember that discipline is not the opposite of love—it is rather a clear act of lovingkindness.
In Matthew 18, God outlined clear instructions for how to pursue healing and restoration when a brother or sister in Christ is stumbling. He said discipline in the body of Christ must begin with private reproof. In other words, the goal is not to embarrass or shame but to bring someone to the light, to expose, to convict, to convince a believer of Truth. This kind of exposure must come not with pride but with gentleness. As Paul instructed: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1, emphasis added).
The burden of discipline initially falls on the offended believer. It is our duty to go to our brother or sister and “point out their fault” humbly with love in a private meeting (Matthew 18:15). It is not the responsibility of the pastor or the gossip chain. Yet how often we avoid the hard parts of God’s instructions! We prefer to avoid confrontation. We whisper. We hope they hear it through the grapevine. But Jesus instructed us to go to our brother or sister one on one.
This kind of Biblical confrontation is not about being right. It’s about restoring and seeing your fellow believer healed. So before we confront the offender, we must ask ourselves, “Am I honoring God in my purpose? Am I helping this person grow—or am I just venting my offense?” Pray before you speak. Pray as you speak. And remember your own failures. Remember how you have been corrected and how you would want to be corrected. The goal is not to crush a soul but to stir repentance. And when they listen, you have won them. That’s the joy of obedience. That’s the fruit of private love. But it all begins with the courage to speak Truth in love.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for providing clear instruction for dealing with sin and healing relationships between believers and also with You. Help me to be humble both to hear and respond to those I have offended and to approach those who have offended me. May we bring You honor as we submit to one another in love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Never Give Up: Don’t Conform to the World: WATCH NOW
Want more devotionals from Leading The Way? Sign up for MY Devotional and have a devotional delivered directly to your inbox daily!
PARTNER WITH US
We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at ltw.org.
Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
