Found, Forgiven, and Faithful: How Jesus Teaches Us to Treat Others (Matthew 18:10-22)
It’s easy to think that some people matter more than others—maybe because they seem more successful, more spiritual, or more important. But in this part of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us that in God’s eyes, every person matters. He also shows us how to care for others, deal with problems kindly, and forgive more than we think we can.
Let’s walk through what Jesus teaches in this passage.
Don’t Look Down on Others—God Doesn’t
Jesus begins by saying we should never look down on others, especially the “little ones.” He could be talking about children or anyone who seems small, humble, or overlooked.
Why? Because God values them deeply. In fact, Jesus says their angels are always in God’s presence—He’s watching over them with love and care.
The message for us:
No one is unimportant. Whether someone is young, new in faith, or struggling, we should treat them with respect and kindness—just like God does.
The Lost Sheep—God Goes After the One
Next, Jesus tells a short story. Imagine a shepherd has 100 sheep. If one wanders off, he doesn’t just stay with the 99—he goes looking for the one that’s lost.
And when he finds it, he’s full of joy.
What does this teach us?
God doesn’t give up on anyone. Even if someone has made mistakes or walked away from faith, He still cares and wants them back. And when they return, He celebrates.
It’s a reminder that we should never write people off. Like the shepherd, we’re called to care about the one who’s missing.
When Someone Hurts You—Speak in Love
Jesus also talks about what to do when someone sins or wrongs you. He gives a simple, respectful process:
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First, talk to them one-on-one.
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If that doesn’t work, bring one or two others to help.
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If they still won’t listen, bring the matter to the larger group (like the church).
The goal isn’t to embarrass or punish someone—it’s to help restore the relationship and guide them back to what’s right.
The lesson here:
Handle conflict quietly, kindly, and with hope. We should aim to heal, not to hurt.
God Is With Us When We Work Together
Jesus then talks about unity and prayer. He says that when people agree on something in prayer, God hears them. And when two or three gather in His name, He is there with them.
That’s a powerful promise.
So what does this mean?
When we come together with others to seek God’s will, fix problems, or pray, we’re not alone. God shows up and honors those efforts.
Forgiveness That Doesn’t Keep Count
Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, asks a question we might all wonder about: “How many times should I forgive someone? Seven times?”
Jesus replies, “Not seven, but seventy-seven times.” Some versions even say “seventy times seven.”
Either way, the point is clear:
Don’t keep track. Forgiveness should be a regular part of our lives, not something we limit or measure.
It’s not always easy, but Jesus shows us that forgiveness sets both the other person and ourselves free.
Final Thoughts: Living Out Jesus’ Love
In just a few short verses, Jesus teaches us a lot about how to treat people:
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Value everyone, even the ones others overlook.
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Go after the lost, and don’t give up on people.
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Deal with problems gently, aiming to restore, not reject.
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Stay united, because God is with us when we work together.
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Forgive freely, just like God forgives us.
These aren’t just good ideas—they’re the way Jesus lived, and how He invites us to live, too.
Here’s a simple challenge:
This week, ask yourself: Is there someone I’ve looked down on, given up on, or struggled to forgive? Then pray for a heart like Jesus’—one that sees, seeks, and forgives with love.
Matthew 18:10-22 (WEB)
18:10 See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost.12 “What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? 13 If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.15 “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. 18 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven. 19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?”22 Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.