Luke 17:3
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him
God commands to our weakness and for the benefit of others. So when He tells us to, "Pay attention to ourselves," He is not telling us to do that thing we so naturally do anyways. He isn't saying, "Pay more attention to what you want or fixate more on those things you wish for yourself." He would not have to command us to do that. We were going to do that anyways. And in other places (Matthew 10:38, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, John 12:25, Revelation 12:11), He clearly condemns that kind of paying attention to ourselves as sin the likes of which must be repented of if we are to enter into discipleship with Him.
So what does Jesus mean then by commanding us to, "pay attention to ourselves!" The command is to take hold of yourself, which implies one must attempt to observe one self. Do not simply assume the high ground. Be willing to be wrong and be willing to tell other people that they are wrong. The best way to be prepared to rebuke another is by being able to hear the rebukes you are receiving. Also, make sure you are not harboring unforgiveness or withholding reconciliation from one who is turning back towards you. Do not let your mood keep you from receiving their return.
Neither withhold rebuke or forgiveness from your brother. Neither hold on to secret sin or hostility towards those who would dare hurt you. Resist the temptation to be too soft to rebuke or too hard to forgive.
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