What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Biblical counsel for resolving conflicts among elders, the diaconate board, and other church leaders; how to handle offenses privately, avoid rumors, practice humility, and seek reconciliation."
Answer
The provided quotes give clear, biblically based instructions for resolving conflicts among church leaders and members. The core is the strict observance of Matthew 18: First, speak privately with the person in question in humility and love, without involving others or spreading rumors. Only if that fails should one or two witnesses be brought in, and only as a last resort should the matter be brought before the congregation. Elders and leaders should lead by example, refusing to listen to one-sided reports, putting aside bitterness and suspicion, and actively seeking reconciliation. Violating this order harms the church and grieves the Holy Spirit.
God's Plan for Resolving Misunderstandings and Personal Injuries
»Whatever the nature of the offense may be, this does not change the plan that God has made for the settlement of misunderstandings and personal injuries. Speaking alone and in the spirit of Christ to the one who is wrong will often remove the difficulty. Go to the erring one, with a heart filled with Christ's love and compassion, and seek to settle the matter. Speak calmly and soberly with him. Let no angry words pass over your lips. Speak so that his better judgment is appealed to.«
Follow Christ's Rule: Go First Alone to Your Brother
»If your brother sins against you," said Christ, "go and tell him his fault between you and him alone." Tell it to no one. One person is told, then another, and still another; and the report constantly grows, and the evil increases until the whole congregation suffers. Settle the matter "between you and him alone." That is God's plan.«
Do Not Listen to One-Sided Reports; Demand the Biblical Path
»Officers and lay members of the church displease God when they allow individuals to report to them the faults and wrongs of their brothers. They should not listen to these reports, but instead ask: "Have you strictly followed the instructions of your Savior? Have you gone to the offender and told him his fault privately? And did he refuse to listen to you? Have you carefully and prayerfully brought in two or three others and worked with him in gentleness, humility, and meekness, your heart beating with love for his soul?«
Put Away Slander and a Critical Spirit; Rebuke the Gossip According to Scripture
»A serious effort should be made in every church to abolish slander and a critical spirit as sins that produce the greatest evils in the church. Severity and hairsplitting must be condemned as the work of Satan. Mutual love and trust must be fostered and strengthened among church members. All should, in the fear of God and with love for their brothers, close their ears to gossip and defamation. Rebuke the gossip according to the teachings of God's Word. Urge him to obey Scripture and bring his complaints directly to those whom he believes are in error.«
Seek Reconciliation; Examine Your Own Heart; Put Aside Pride and Ambition
»When disputes arise between brothers, the rule of the Savior should be strictly followed. Every possible effort should be made to bring about reconciliation; but if the parties persist in remaining in conflict, they should be suspended until they can reconcile. When trials occur in the church, each member should examine their own heart to see if the cause of the dispute lies within themselves. Through spiritual pride, the desire to rule, an ambitious desire for honor or position, lack of self-control, yielding to passion or prejudice, instability, or lack of judgment, the church may be disturbed and its peace sacrificed.«
The Three Steps of Reconciliation: Alone, with Witnesses, Before the Congregation
»Tell it not to the enemies of our faith. They have no right to know of church matters, so that the weaknesses and faults of Christ's followers are not exposed. … First, go to your brother and tell him his fault privately. If that fails, next bring one or two friends with you and tell him in their presence. If these steps fail, then tell the congregation. No unbeliever should be told even the smallest detail of the matter. Telling the congregation is the last step.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
