A FAIR TRIAL

I am delighted to say that the Oasis has continued to grow, and I am experiencing more and more peace.  However, although I was raring to go, and ready to write, I found that the subject matter upon which I thought I had been led to post, was split into two, and then into two again.  I found myself with several things to write, and believe that rather than put them all together, it is best to separate them.  I do not like to be overwhelmed, and I do find that when I am trying to understand, it does not help to be flooded with knowledge and wisdom.  Although I crave more and more, I want to make sure I have understood everything before, 'moving on'.  Therefore, I will do unto my audience as I would like to have done unto me. 

During this past week, I have had several occasions to be aware of things I do that are enhanced by the actions of others.  It has brought to light the 'dross' that needs to come to the surface, but also how I relate to things other's do!  

I am not as familiar with the Scriptures as others who either write 'spiritually based' blogs, or teach, appear to be, but I have, over the years, come to 'quote' more and more.  I do believe them to be a 'text book' for our life.  This having been said, I have recently found that I have been dealing quite a lot with the verse in Matthew, 7:5.  'First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye'.  Like most people, I can tell where other people are going wrong.  It has been brought to my attention, recently, that I am making the same mistakes, albeit in different circumstances.  For example, if one person talks about another in a derogatory way, behind their back, I find it inappropriate.  Yet by telling someone else that I find the behaviour inappropriate, I am guilty of the same sin.  (Matthew 18:15 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  The correct reaction is to tell your 'brother' that he is acting inappropriately, and the following verses tell you the way to continue should he not listen.  However, this particular line of 'recommendation', does not tell you what not to do; no doubt we should know what not to do!)  It is very easy to fall into the trap of discussing the wrongs of someone else, without giving them the benefit of a fair trial.  There is no excuse for sin.  If someone is berating another to a third party, then this is no more than 'gossip'.  The verses continues regarding 'if your brother does not hear you'....taken from the New King James, But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established..And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  However, in my experience, very few actually 'go to the brother' first.  They discuss the situation and then go 'mob handed' with the solution.  Unfortunately, this tends to bring up the defenses, and the 'brother' becomes like a trapped animal, and bares his claws from the corner, and comes out in an attack. 

Discussing this with my husband, we agreed that it was acceptable to put the matter to another in a 'hypothetical' scenario.  Alternatively, we agreed that if we were worried about someone, we could go to them together.  To discuss options or discipline, is not part of the process.  We would be guilty of holding the trial without the presence of the accused.  Once again, my fine line appears along the road of 'concern' and 'gossip'. 

I am continuing to work on this, as it is important not to allow a brother to continue to sin, despite the plank in my eye.  I am unsure as to whether my experiences will help others, but I believe I am being led to let them know.  I am forever grateful for the love of Elohim and his patience. 

Grace and peace to all