My Brother's Keeper

In this sermon drawn from Matthew 18:15-20, Pastor Joel Heald challenges the congregation to reconsider the ancient question: 'Am I my brother's keeper?' He argues that Jesus intentionally directed this teaching to believers, using the word 'adelphos' (brother or sister) to make clear that this is a family matter within the church. Pastor Joel distinguishes between minor offenses that require patience and forgiveness and genuine sin that causes real harm and requires loving confrontation. He emphasizes that the goal of confronting a straying sibling is not punishment or winning an argument, but rescue. Just as the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, we are called to go after those who are wandering, motivated by love and the desire to bring them home.