Hi Beth

I am trying to find something here and am not being very successful.  Mind is totally blank right now.  The scripture that says to go to a person if they are wrong… first alone and then with a witness. Where is it??

Also do you think that a letter would suffice?

Mary

BETH’S ANSWER:

Regarding the question you asked, there are two thoughts that you might need. The first is in Matthew 18.
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (Matt.18:15-17).

Another parallel to this same idea is the passage is in Luke 17.
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4).

However one that many people miss is in Matthew 5 and Mark 11.
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift: (Matt 5:23-24).

You see, it is your obligation to go to the brother either way–whether he does something against you or whether you have done something against him.

Sometimes it is easier to put things in writing than it is to speak the words, but beware, a letter can be spread to others.  You have to take that into account.

Keep up the good work.

Beth