Restorative Justice | Wednesday | 9/9

You Have Gained Your Brother

Matthew 18:15–17

If your brother or sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together. If they listen to you, then you’ve won over your brother or sister. But if they won’t listen, take with you one or two others so that every word may be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses. But if they still won’t pay attention, report it to the church. If they won’t pay attention even to the church, treat them as you would a Gentile and tax collector.

Jesus gives us one sentence that reveals the goal of the entire process:

“If they listen to you, you have gained your brother.”

Notice what Jesus doesn't say.

You proved your point.

You won the argument.

Everybody knows you were right.

They finally got what they deserved.

No. You got them back.

That's the heart of restorative justice. It asks more than, “Who was wrong?” or “What punishment is deserved?” It asks, “What has been broken, who has been harmed, and what would it take to make things right?”

Sin fractures things. It damages trust, relationships, people, and communities. Justice takes that damage seriously.

But for Jesus, the destination isn't simply punishment.

As far as possible, the destination is restoration.

That changes the way we enter conflict. Winning becomes less important than healing. Being vindicated becomes less important than making things right.

Because the person across from us isn't merely an opponent.

They're someone Jesus doesn't want to lose.

Reflect

When you're hurt, are you more interested in being proven right or in seeing what has been broken made whole?

Pray

Jesus, change the way I approach conflict. Give me a heart that desires truth and accountability, but also restoration. Help me remember that people matter more than winning. Amen.