What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Is it appropriate to have a clarifying conversation between two brothers and a sister outside the congregation?"
Answer
According to biblical instructions, it is not only proper but required to first seek a clarifying conversation in a private setting before involving the congregation. The first step is to address the fault one‑on‑one; only if this fails should one or two witnesses be brought in. Church matters and the weaknesses of siblings should not be disclosed to outsiders or enemies of the faith in order to protect the reputation of the congregation.
The Biblical Order for Clarifying Conversations
First go and tell your brother his fault between you and him alone. If this fails, next take one or two friends with you and tell him in their presence. If these steps fail, then tell the congregation. No unbeliever should be made familiar with the slightest detail of the matter. ... Do not publish it before the enemies of our faith.
“If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him between you and him alone; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. If he still does not listen to them, then tell the congregation...”
Anyone who believes that a teacher has done wrong should follow the instructions given in the Word: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” ... Before this is done, no one is authorized to tell others about a brother’s faults.
O my brother, my sister, educate yourselves in the school of Christ. Let the spirit of controversy cease at home and in the congregation. ... Be a Christian gentleman, my brother; for the very same principles that characterize home life are also carried into the congregation.
We thought that the differences between them could be easily settled if there were only the willingness to crucify the self, but we saw an unwillingness to do so. Twice we earnestly prayed that God might soften all our hearts.
- Sibling Reproof
- Matthew 18 Principle
- Conflict Resolution in the Congregation
Original Sources (English)
Loading...
