09/07/2026
“I’m telling!” If I had a nickel for every time I heard these words in my classroom or during childcare, my offerings would surely fund a new building project! Tattling is an instinct in even the youngest of children and helping them learn when “telling” is right or wrong is both a joy and a burden to parents and teachers alike. At times, the appropriate response is to intervene or assist in conflict resolution. As children mature, I find myself responding with a simple, “Did you talk to your friend about that first?” When true tattling is at its peak, I tend to respond with a simple, “Thank you for telling me,” or “I’m sorry that happened.” Both of these serve as my polite way of communicating that I just don’t need to know. Then the conversation moves to how to let go of the thing that happened in the past and move forward. This is not always easy, for children or adults alike.
In Matthew 18, Jesus uses a child to teach his disciples and us how to deal with one another when we see others sin. In verse 15, he tells us, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” It is tough to go directly to another person and—in love—to point out sin. But it is something that our Lord himself commands. Jesus reminds us that when Christian brothers and sisters sin, he wants us to address it. Following this command in a world full of sin is difficult, to say the least. When a friend or family member has done wrong, our sinful nature would rather “tattle” to others than go to that friend or family member directly.
How blessed we are to have the words of our Savior in Scripture to guide us in these difficult situations! The Savior gave his life for us on the cross; so, he gives us free forgiveness for when we do not follow his commands. That same Savior understands our burdens; so, he gives us direction and guidance on how to address sin. That same Savior also gives us the power and right to forgive others’ sins. When we have “won over” a brother or sister in Christ, we have the privilege of proclaiming, “God forgives you, and by his authority I do, too.”
