The beginning of this verse refers to Luke 17:1–2, and also refers to Luke 17:3–4. It is of essential importance to have a good view here of your own feelings and actions. By nature, we are people capable of making others stumble. Sin has a home in our innards. We often find it very difficult to be forgiveness-minded, especially when others are nasty toward us. The latter is happening here (see Luke 17:4, sins against you
). For that terrible deed, a faithful reaction is fitting. We are to react in love and with wisdom, arousing repentance in the other, if possible. Be especially forgiving. Keep visiting that sinner.
We see that attitude in Jesus. We read of him that he receives sinners, and he eats with them (in Luke 15:1–2). Such a loving character was noticed. Apparently, this was not done.
That is why Jesus also brought this up in his parables. Especially the story of the two sons and their father is very significant here (Luke 15:11–32). The father readily forgives his youngest son who returns in repentance, and
he makes an urgent appeal to the older son to join in the feast due to the return of his younger brother. We look in Jesus’ heart here, yes, we see how God the Father is desirous to save us, sinners. Exactly this ought to move us as much as is possible to call for repentance in those who sin against us.
3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,