How deeply do we care about another believer's walk with the Lord? If we see a brother or sister in Christ making compromises or straying from paths of obedience, do we love them enough to tenderly confront their choices because of our concern for their spiritual well-being?
In Joshua 22 we have a beautiful example of having courage to speak out when the holiness of God is in question. The tribes who had been allotted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River built a "large and imposing altar". When the rest of the people of Israel heard about what the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had done, they feared this altar was built to worship foreign gods and they immediately prepared to go to war against their own people, if necessary. If this was indeed an act of disobedience to the Lord, the other remaining tribes wanted to warn their relatives of the consequences of such a sin.
Before initiating a battle, they wisely addressed the situation, acting with divine wisdom as they sought clarification. Although what they had "heard" had disturbed and angered them, they didn't presume or jump to irrational conclusions. They did the right thing. They sent a representative to inquire an explanation. What a lesson that is in itself. How often do we make rash judgements based on something we have "heard" instead of what we truly "know"? We catch part of a conversation and our minds run with our own interpretation without understanding all the facts. How often a kind and gentle conversation would illuminate the truth.
As this delegation of leaders came to speak with the seemingly wayward tribes, not only did they question and warn, but not wanting to see these dear brothers drift away from the Lord, in an expression of incredible love, they extended an invitation for them to share some of their own territory and live with them. The desire for the hearts of these other Israelites, prompted the remaining western tribes to willingly offer, at great personal sacrifice, a share in their own land in order to see their relatives free of sin. This confrontation was more than words. They were offering to do whatever it took for the keeping of their souls from walking paths of disobedience.
So, again I ask, how deeply do we care about another believer's walk with the Lord? My heart has been so challenged by the price these brothers and sisters in the Lord were willing to pay for the protection of the hearts of others.
In the end, once hearing the reasoning and understanding and seeing the situation from the correct perspective, resolution was found. However, I wonder the impact the western tribe's sacrifice and love had on the eastern tribes. As they reflected on the love that initiated the interaction, I can't help but think it had lasting influence. For dear ones to care so deeply for your obedience to the Lord is so tenderly beautiful.
Are there those in our circle of friends and family who we maybe need to grab a coffee with and share a conversation? Don't lightly dismiss any appearance of a wayward walk. Have courage. Be graciously direct. Reconcile relationships. Share and sacrifice your "land". Believe the best. Point each heart to Jesus.
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