What the Bible says about Hamartano
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Matthew 18:15 Mark well that Jesus says, "If your brother sins against you. . . ." The Greek word for "sins" is hamartano, which can also be translated as "trespass," "commit a fault," or "offend." Hamartano can also imply the making of a mistake, and this is important to note. The offense might be the result of an innocent mistake by the offender—or the offended person might be mistaken in feeling offended. The discovery of a mistake or misunderstanding by either party can come out in Step Number One, the private communication between the offending and the offended parties. Please notice that Jesus wants us to resolve such problems at the simplest possible level, if at all possible, before taking it to other people and definitely before taking it to the ministry. It should almost go without saying that we must pray about it in advance. If it is a major problem, we might also want to fast about it in order to draw close to God. But what if the offender will not discuss the problem in a reasonable manner? What if he will not admit that he has done anything offensive? And worst case, what if he "blows a gasket" and yells at us for even bringing it to him—even in this proper, Christ-sanctioned way? Then we must go on to the next step (Matthew 18:16). Staff Islands and Offenses Related Topics: Conflict | Conflict Resolution | Mistake, Making a | Offending a Brother | Offending by Words | Offending People | Offenses | Offenses, Dealing with | Resolving Conflicts | Trespasses

 

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