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Matthew 18:15 and Galatians 6:1 both emphasize going to restore a brother — the onus for reconciliation rests on the one who was sinned against or who observes the sin.

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 28) 00:54:08 – 00:59:13

David Dufty asks why Christian culture focuses on reasons not to confront sin rather than on the biblical imperative to do so.

Winger distinguishes the two passages: Matthew 18:15 addresses the case where someone sins against you personally — go privately and tell them their fault, with the goal of gaining back your brother. Galatians 6:1 addresses the case where someone else is caught in a sin entirely unrelated to you — those who are spiritual should restore that person in a spirit of gentleness. In both cases the pattern is the same: the person not in sin (whether sinned against or just observing) is called to initiate restoration, not to build walls. Southern California culture's avoidance of confrontation is the problem. Winger also stresses tone: approach in gentleness, not harshness, with grace added to every sentence. The goal is never to prove yourself right but to restore the wandering person. He warns that the one correcting can also fall into sin in the process (Gal 6:1b).

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