Restoring the Erring by T. E. BOWEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 10, 1911

Restoring the Erring

By T. E. BOWEN

T. E. BOWEN

SINCE the Christian church began, difficulties have arisen among members, and trials have come in through some who were unconsecrated. Before Pentecost was really over, “there arose a murmuring of the Grecians [believers] against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” As it was then, so it is now. In the daily ministrations of the church to-day, some one may unintentionally be neglected. Again, in their daily association, occasions often arise for little jars and misunderstandings to creep in between members, and these sometimes grow until serious trouble, causing real alienation and trial in the church, come of them.

In attempting to heal these difficulties, perplexity is often experienced in locating the wrong. If it be of long standing, usually both parties are implicated; for before a controversy progresses to any great length, each of the persons concerned is very likely to sin with his lips. Yet usually there is a wrong, a real offense, lying like an old ulcer at the root of a tooth, that is causing the difficulty.

In his last discourse, Stephen, relating the experience of Moses when a young man in Egypt, gives us a little light as to who usually is at fault in matters of this kind. He says: “The next day he [Moses] showed himself unto them [two Israelites] as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, and ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?” Acts 7:26-28.

Here Moses was seeking, as a disinterested friend and brother, to bring reconciliation between two of his brethren. Very likely neither sought his help; but the inspired narrative says that the one who “did his neighbor wrong,” thrust Moses away. In this instance, at least, the person unwilling to adjust the difficulty, and who thrust Moses away, was the one in the wrong; and usually this rule holds good.

But it should be understood that it is not in pressing the accusation, however plain the fault is found to be, that real reconciliation is effected. That comes in another way. It is by humble seeking of God and by personal confession of sin, that the real core of the difficulty is reached, and the breach is healed. This is the only road to permanent relief. Prayer, humble and sincere, will accomplish more than can be gained by seeking to point out the faults of the guilty one, and arraigning him in the name of justice before others. To expose the offender was Christ’s last resort, and was done only after every other means had been exhausted and had failed. Remember his treatment of Judas the betrayer.

Nearly always the one offended against must be the one to go to the offender. And, too, Christ taught that he should go to him alone. Matt. 18:15. Do not think that by going once, your duty is done. Alone you may go again and again. It is only when he will not hear you that you are at liberty to open up the subject at all to another, if it be a personal matter.

The effort is to gain your brother, to rescue him from his wrong. Be ready all the way to acknowledge that you, too, may have erred. It is the wrongdoing, the sin, that each should seek to put away. Pray much in secret; also pray together. Magnify your own failings rather than those of your brother. Forgive freely whenever confession is made. Count every confession sincere, and hold it sacred. When this is done, God has opportunity to bring about glorious victories.

It is worth something to gain a brother, and it also costs something. This is why it is so valuable an acquirement. It can not be accomplished without real sacrifice. But it pays. One thus gained will cause your heart much joy; and the reconciliation will bring great joy to the hearts of the angels.

It may be you will have, to gain some such converts within your own church before God will entrust you with the responsibility of gaining those without the church. Let each ask himself, “Am I ready to go to my brother, that this difficulty may be healed? Or, am I in a position to thrust away him who comes to me seeking reconciliation?” Unless you occupy this position of being ready and willing to adjust any matter involving

the experience of another member, can you really say that your heart is right toward God?

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Takoma Park, D. C.