The rule laid down by Christ for the treatment of personal offenses (Matt. 18:15) is doubtless applicable to sins of every description. That it is applicable to personal misunderstandings, no one questions. But some who recognize this, stand back in a case of sin which they may hear of in a brother, but which does not affect them in a personal way. This is inconsistent with the other commandments which prescribe a kindly care of our brothers in everything.
Sin of any kind on the part of a brother (doctrinal, practical, or what not) is truly a sin against all his brethren, who are necessarily more or less injured by what he wrongfully does; but all his brethren may not know of it.
It is the part of those who do know to take the course Jesus prescribes: not to talk to others of it (which is ITSELF A SIN), but, observing silence to all others concerning the matter, to go direct to the brother concerned, and discuss the matter with him alone. Nothing is so likely to remove the evil as this course, providing it is done in the way the law of Christ prescribes (Gal. 6:10)- "In the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
