Gaining Thy Brother or Sister (Part 1)

Beloved, I feel inspired to write to you from a new subject entitled “Gaining thy Brother”. When we become as little children (children of God), we have the assurance that “it is not the will of (our) Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14). Beloved, because we are all human, in all probability we are going to commit offences against God and against one another. Because if this, Jesus made it plain that we should make every effort to obtain forgiveness for the offender. Jesus said, “Moreover (meaning, obey what I’m about to say even more), if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him (his or her) fault between thee and (him or her) alone: if (he or she) shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matthew 18:15). According to Jesus, what is the purpose in going to him or her? Is it vengeance? Is it retaliation? Oh no, God forbid!! It is to “gain” your brother or sister. Jesus taught us that there is no other legitimate reason for approaching one who has trespassed against another. Our Lord says that we must be certain to first go alone to the offender.

Precious Ones, the great apostle Paul, in his many letters, states that it is important to “gain” or win the confidence of our brothers and sisters in Christ! Paul said that we should walk “charitably” among our brethren. Peter enlarged on this theme on this wise - “Above all things, have fervent (sincere) charity (love) among yourselves (your church family): for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8).

Chosen Ones, we must therefore strive, not to destroy our brothers or sisters or to determine their faith by their offences, but to restore them by “gaining” their confidence that we have their best interests in mind! Can you imagine the kind of power we would feel in the Anointed Harvest Church if each of us felt that everyone had our best interests in mind? That’s something to think about!

I will write more on this subject next week.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,


Pastor William L. McCoy