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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “How to treat others” The theme “How to Treat Others” touches the very heart of human relationships. To “treat” someone means to act, speak, or behave towards them in a specific way. “Others” refers to the people around us—our family, friends, neighbours, and fellow believers. In Matthew 18:15–35, Jesus gives us clear guidance on handling conflict and offering forgiveness. The key lesson of this passage is that we must resolve conflicts with love and forgive others unconditionally, just as God has forgiven us.

Before giving these teachings, Jesus had been speaking to His disciples about humility and the value of every individual in God’s kingdom. He wanted His followers to understand that living in a community requires patience and mercy. In this context, Jesus presented a clear framework for dealing with interpersonal offences and illustrated the true depth of God’s forgiveness.

First, Jesus teaches us how to address someone who has wronged us. Matthew 18:15 states, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” Instead of spreading gossip or holding a grudge, we are instructed to speak directly and privately to the person. The goal of this meeting is reconciliation, not winning an argument. For instance, if a friend speaks unkindly to you, the Christian response is to talk to them privately with gentle words rather than complaining to others. This reflects the counsel found in Proverbs 15:1, which reminds us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Second, Jesus emphasises the immense scope of forgiveness required in our relationships. When Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone who sinned against him—suggesting up to seven times—Jesus answered in Matthew 18:22, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus was not giving a literal mathematical limit, but rather teaching that forgiveness must be continuous and limitless. In our daily lives, this means letting go of repeated minor offences or misunderstandings without keeping a record of wrongs.

To drive this point home, Jesus told the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23–35. A servant owed his king ten thousand talents—an unpayable debt. Out of pity, the king cancelled the entire debt. However, that same servant went out and choked a fellow servant who owed him only a hundred denarii, refusing to show mercy. When the king heard this, he was furious and handed the unmerciful servant over to be punished. Jesus concludes in Matthew 18:35, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” God has forgiven us a massive debt of sin that we could never repay. Therefore, refusing to forgive others when they hurt us is unjust and ungrateful. This aligns with Ephesians 4:32, which urges us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

In summary, Matthew 18:15–35 teaches us that treating others rightly involves resolving conflicts privately with love and forgiving without limits. We are called to reflect the grace we have received from God in all our daily interactions. As a call to action, let us examine our hearts today. If there is anyone you are holding a grudge against, choose to forgive them from your heart. Step forward in humility to make peace, and extend the same mercy to others that God continuously grants to you.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your endless mercy and for forgiving my many sins. Please give me a humble heart to resolve conflicts peacefully and the strength to forgive those who offend me. Help me to treat others with kindness, patience, and love every day. Amen.