Jesus gives us practical guidance on how to respond when a brother or sister goes astray. We are not called to judge, condemn or simply ignore them, but to take the initiative and help them return to the right path.
He tells us first to speak to the person privately, with sensitivity, respect and compassion. If this does not help, we can seek the support of one or two others, always with the aim of reconciliation rather than blame. The message is clear: we should seek to win back our brother or sister.
Jesus also reminds us of the power of prayer. We should have the courage to encourage others, especially as youth leaders, or simply as people who can somehow influence others, to pray. People, including young people, have a thirst for Christ. Let us not be deceived into thinking otherwise simply because they may not be as ‘prayerful’ as we are, or because their morals, choices or priorities may differ from ours. Christ can overcome everything.
For where two or three gather in His name, He is there among them.