𝗧𝗵𝗲 “𝗚𝗼” 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁

Broken relationships are among the deepest sorrows we experience in this fallen world. A careless word, a harsh response, betrayal, misunderstanding, or unresolved offense can slowly create distance between brothers, friends, coworkers, husbands and wives, parents and children, and even fellow believers in the church.

Tragically, many wounds remain open for years because neither side is willing to take the first (or extra) step. Pride delays confession. Fear avoids confrontation. Sin hardens the heart. Yet in the midst of our fractured relationships, the Lord Jesus Christ calls His people to practice what may be called the “Go” principle.

Do you have something against someone because of that person’s words or actions? The “Go” principle applies to you. Have you wronged another person, hurting or humiliating him in the process? The “Go” principle applies to you as well.

The “Go” principle is an important, though often neglected, responsibility of every Christian. It is the willingness to go directly to a brother or sister, whether husband or wife, parent or child, relative or friend, coworker or business partner, and seek reconciliation regardless of who offended whom.

Our Lord Jesus teaches that when a brother has something against us because we have sinned against him, we are not to ignore the matter or delay repentance. Instead, we are commanded to pursue reconciliation: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23–24, ESV).

Likewise, when a brother sins against us, Jesus does not permit bitterness, gossip, or silent resentment. Rather, He commands us to lovingly and humbly address the matter directly: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15, ESV).

Whether we are the offending party or the offended party, Christ tells us to go. He calls us to take the initiative in pursuing peace and restoration. Such obedience is not weakness but godliness. It reflects humility, love, courage, and a sincere desire for the glory of God and the good of our neighbor.

And when this is done with sincerity and humility, fractures within the body of Christ are healed, relationships are restored, and the church is strengthened. Reconciliation among believers becomes a visible testimony to the reconciling power of the gospel itself. Jesus declared that the world would know His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:34–35).

Dr. John Sittema, commenting on Matthew 5:23–24 and Matthew 18:15, writes that “the believer is instructed to ‘go’ and seek reconciliation, ‘irrespective of who is at fault’! In every case of brokenness, tension and sin that affects human relationships, you as a child of the Father are expected to ‘go’ to seek reconciliation. Such behavior requirements are intentionally patterned after what the Father in heaven did for us. Rather than to wait for us to seek reconciliation with Him, He sent Christ ‘while we were yet sinners’” (𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘥’𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 94).

What a profound and biblical reminder. The “Go” principle is ultimately rooted in the gospel itself. God did not wait for rebellious sinners to climb their way back to Him. While we were still dead in trespasses and sins, the Father sent His Son to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10; Romans 5:6–8; Ephesians 2:1–5). The Holy Bible Christ came to reconcile us to God through His blood shed on the cross (Colossians 1:19–22). The Holy Bible Every time believers humbly seek reconciliation with one another, they reflect something of the reconciling heart of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

How many conflicts between brothers and sisters in Christ might have been resolved if this principle were faithfully practiced? How many friendships, marriages, ministries, churches, and families might have been preserved if believers had been willing to go first in humility and love?

Sadly, some of us have been overpowered by pride, paralyzed by fear, or hardened by sin. We may refuse to confront an erring brother gently because it feels uncomfortable. Or perhaps we know we are at fault, yet we hesitate to confess our sins and ask forgiveness because our pride resists humiliation. In doing so, however, we grieve the Spirit, hinder fellowship, and damage the peace Christ desires for His church (Ephesians 4:25–32).

Yet there is still grace for sinners. The gospel reminds us that Christ receives repentant people, forgives those who confess their sins, and restores broken sinners by His mercy (1 John 1:9). The Holy Bible Because we ourselves have been forgiven much in Christ, we are called to forgive others and pursue reconciliation with humility and tenderness of heart (Colossians 3:12–14).

Perhaps there is someone today you need to speak with – a loved one, a relative, a former churchmate, a friend, or a coworker. Perhaps there is a confession that needs to be made, forgiveness that needs to be sought, or bitterness that needs to be surrendered at the foot of the cross. Do not delay obedience. Go in humility. Go in prayer. Go with the spirit of Christ.

May the Lord grant us grace not merely to admire the “Go” principle, but to practice it faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ. And may our pursuit of reconciliation point others to the greater reconciliation that sinners may find through the crucified and risen Savior.