“Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:18-19.
Only one time have I ever listened to and collected a list of grievances against an elders board and the pastor. The issue is too complicated to describe here, but something in me decided they needed to know how people were thinking.
Of course I was sure — but not sure — that I did the right thing. My heart seemed to be right with God over this, but my head was back and forth. Another odd thing — normally people do not complain to me about anything. I won’t listen. Single complaints strike me as either selfish whining, or a sinful lack of submission, or some other problem with the complainers. This time it didn’t.
This verse verifies what I did. I heard accusations against the elders from more than two or three. Whoever sinned I’m not sure, but something was not right. So I received what I heard and gave the elders the list, and then held my breath.
Not to fear. I was later told that they discussed all the complaints, sin was admitted, an attitude of contriteness prevailed, and they worked through what they had done wrong and how to make it right. They had been rebuked and they accepted and took responsibility for the errors they had made. I was impressed!
Out of all of this, I learn once again that when God’s Word is obeyed, it works. I didn’t really remember this verse when I submitted that list, but God reminded me today. If I still had doubts about it, they are put to rest. In this one case it was okay to “receive accusations” and pass them on as rebukes, even though my normal response would be far different.
Normally I tell complainers to take their complaints to the source. Don’t talk to me. I will defend the one being accused (if I think the accusation is unfair) or try to counsel the problems I perceive in the complainer, always refusing to talk about any third party behind their back. I don’t want to be a griping person’s mediator or their garbage can. The Bible forbids gossip and slander and clearly says if you have a grievance against someone, take it to that person. If you don’t want to because the issue is trivial, then tell God how you feel and get over it.
So with fear and trepidation I handed over that list, only to become thankful and amazed at how God worked in this situation, even that He would verify to me that I did the right thing.
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