One of the most delicate things we have to do in life is to rebuke someone when they have wronged us.

Jesus shows us the best way to handle conflicts by saying, “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” 

The first recommendation the Lord gives us is to look within ourselves. On one hand, we cannot allow people to hurt us with impunity; but we must also be very careful not to act out of anger or a desire for revenge.

The second recommendation is to assess whether the person truly sinned against us, meaning they genuinely did something unjust; or if it is merely our subjective perception, hypersensitivity, low self-esteem, or false expectations.

Third: The approach should be as between brothers. Without closeness, there will be no sincere openness, the atmosphere will be harsh, and prideful barriers will ruin everything.

Then comes the act of rebuking: Understand “rebuke” as calling attention out of love, with the sole aim of generating positive change in the person.

If they repent, we must forgive and give them a new opportunity.

“If one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring them back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).