Offenses Among Church Members

Elder W.S. Craig

Differences between brethren should always, if possible, be settled between themselves, and that privately and alone. It is very wrong and dangerous to spread their grievances among others. And if the right spirit of love and kindness is shown, I believe nearly all private offenses can be easily settled; and this should be done so very privately and carefully that the other members would never know anything about the matter at all. Our blessed Savior has laid down a positive law (Matt. xviii. l5-17) to govern us, and there is no higher authority. First, a strictly private interview with the offender, with the positive object of gaining the brother, and never, never for spite or revenge. And I think more than one attempt should be made, if there is any possible hope for settlement. If this should fail, one or two brethren, (and they should be good friends of the offender, because their influence will be greater) as helpers and witnesses, should be taken (and these should not be previously told of the trouble) and another interview held. And I think that also in this step more than one trial should be made, unless the brother flatly refuses "to hear them." But of course if all this fails, then as a last resort, "tell it unto the church." The offended party and his witnesses should be very careful not to talk to others about the trouble before it is laid before the church.

     It will surely not do for members to try to justify themselves in failing to take gospel steps under the plea that "It would do no good," or any other excuse; for they themselves are not the judge nor lawgiver. The provisions which Jesus Christ has laid down positively must not be laid aside or ignored. To do so is open rebellion against His authority, and this is far worse in His sight than any offense between brethren. It also shows a bad contempt for the church by such plain violation of her rules. I earnestly beg, plead and warn all our people, because of the certainly dangerous results for themselves, to be very, very careful about treating this divine law and the church with contempt.

     The tongue, that "unruly" member (James iii. 5-10), so often spreads hurtful things and makes them much worse. And as a long tongue is the very worst kind of an instrument to sow the poisonous seeds of strife, brethren should be very, very careful how they criticize each other, and especially to their backs. So all should carefully bridle their tongues at all times; for Satan is always so ready and anxious through its bad use to destroy the peace, love and fellowship between brethren, and rob them of all the pleasures and blessings that he possibly can. Never, never give "they say" as authority for anything disparaging to others. If reproof or correction be needed, kindly do so face to face.

     Very many offenses should be passed by, overlooked and forgotten if possible, for the people of God should show a very forgiving spirit, and not expect too much of their brethren, and also they should ever remember their own weaknesses, liability to err and unworthiness. But, of course, in the case of gross, scandalous and public offenses, the church's honor demands that she should act promptly by excluding the offender. An offense against the church is far worse than a private offense. But carefulness should at all times be exercised. Many mistakes are made through haste. Sometimes members refuse to go to their meetings because of some grievance against another member. This course is very wrong in them. They should take gospel steps if necessary, but never neglect their church obligations, nor treat the church with contempt in any way.

     While this divine law is so plainly intended for the people of God, but what a wonderfully blessed thing it would be for the world at large if all men would earnestly try to settle their differences according to the first two steps laid down in Matt. xviii. 15,16! All the wisdom of our wisest men combined has never been able to make any improvement on this divinely wise course of action. And this rule carried out in practice would surely do away with so much quarreling, hard feeling, strife and many grievous and costly lawsuits.