What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "To what extent should a church leader address the sin of a member who, out of bitter feelings toward another sister, uses religious teachings to criticize her manner of prayer and thereby has also influenced another sister? This involves personal admonition, motives, gossip and discord, conscience, the unity of the congregation, and the principles from Matthew 18."
Answer
Church leaders are called to intervene with spiritual wisdom and decisiveness when bitterness, a penchant for criticism, and prejudice disturb the peace of the congregation, so that this harmful influence does not infect further members. The biblical procedure according to Matthew 18 must be strictly followed: accusations and transgressions must not be spread through gossip, but must first be presented to the person involved personally and in a spirit of love. Each individual is accountable to God for his own conscience and should examine his own heart rather than assuming the role of judge over the actions or piety of others.
Eliminate the Roots of Bitterness and Follow the Savior’s Rules
»Those who are appointed to watch over the spiritual affairs of the congregation should be careful to set a good example ... Every manifestation of hostility or lovelessness should be stopped and every root of bitterness removed. When difficulties arise among siblings, the Savior’s rule should be strictly observed. All possible efforts should be made to bring about reconciliation; however, if the parties stubbornly insist on remaining at odds, they should be suspended until they can live in harmony. When disputes arise in the congregation, each member should examine his own heart to see whether the cause of the difficulty lies not in himself. Through spiritual pride, a desire for domination, ambitious longing for honor or position, lack of self‑control, yielding to passion or prejudice ... the congregation can be disturbed and its peace sacrificed.«
Deal Wisely with Divisive Influence and Guard Others from Leaven
»If there are in the congregation individuals who exert an influence that contradicts the love and self‑less goodwill that Jesus has shown for us, and who separate themselves from their brothers and sisters, faithful men should handle these cases with wisdom, to win their souls and yet ensure that their influence does not permeate others like leaven, leading the congregation astray through their dissatisfaction and false reports. Some are filled with self‑sufficiency. There are only a few who consider themselves right, but they question and criticize every action of others. Such persons must not be allowed to jeopardize the interests of the congregation.«
The Biblical Steps for Misconduct and Slander
»Preachers and lay members of the congregation displease God when they allow individuals to tell them the faults and shortcomings of their brothers and sisters. They should not give ear to such reports but should ask: “Have you strictly followed the commands of your Savior? Have you gone to the person concerned and told him his faults privately? And did he refuse to listen to you? Have you carefully and prayerfully involved two or three others and worked with him in gentleness, humility, and meekness, while your heart beat with love for his soul?” If the captain’s orders in the rules given for the erring have been strictly obeyed, then another step is to be taken – says the congregation … If these steps have not been taken, the ear is closed to complaints and you thus refuse to receive a slander against your neighbor.«
Personal Reconciliation in Bitterness Instead of Public Accusation
»If someone harbors feelings of bitterness, anger, or malice toward a brother, he should go to him personally, confess his sin, and ask for forgiveness. From the way Christ dealt with the erring, we can learn valuable lessons that are equally applicable to this work of confession. He commands us to go to the one who has fallen into temptation and work with him alone. If, because of the darkness of his mind and his separation from God, it is not possible to help him, we should try again with two or three others. If the wrongdoing is not corrected, then – and only then – we should tell the congregation. It is far better if the injustice can be rectified and injuries healed without bringing the matter before the whole congregation.«
Reject Slander and a Critical Spirit as the Work of Satan
»In every congregation a serious effort should be made to abandon slander and a critical spirit, as these belong to the sins that cause the greatest harm in the church. Hardness and fault‑finding must be rebuked as the work of Satan. Mutual love and trust must be promoted and strengthened among the members of the congregation. Let all, in the fear of God and out of love for their brothers and sisters, close their ears to gossip and blame. Point the slanderer to the teachings of the Word of God. Command him to obey Scripture and to bring his complaints directly to those he thinks are in error.«
Responsibility for One’s Own Conscience Instead of Judging Others
»God does not call any of us to watch our brothers and sisters and repent for their sins. He has given us a task, and He urges us to do it resolutely, in His fear and with undivided focus on His honor. Each ... must give account to God about himself, not about others. Seeing faults in other believers and condemning their way will not excuse or offset any of our own errors. We should not make others our standard ... God has given each of us our own conscience.«
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.
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