But if he will not hear thee, then take one or two more, that in the

mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Matthew 18:16

 

      Grievances should be settled between the parties involved. But sometimes that doesn’t work. The verse above is the second step in dealing with someone who has wronged you. 

       Witnesses will establish the testimony. They can hear both sides and add their own words. Hopefully this will settle the matter. The way the instructions are written it would seem the other guy definitely is at fault and if he hasn’t listened to you or the witnesses you have brought then it is time to move onto the third step.

      Words: they are important. Words can validate the truth. Words can hurt or heal. Often they are misunderstood when one on one and spoken in anger. The witnesses become more like interpreters of the situation. Their job is to diffuse anger and bring about resolution. The word of the witnesses can do this when they are not words filled with emotion.

      Step three is to go to the church and say, We have used our words to no avail.  It would be up to the witnesses then to testify to all that has happened. I would hope if I lived back then to never get to this step but step four is even worse. Wrongdoers who don’t listen to the church are to be treated like pagans and tax collectors.

      So dear friend try to do no wrong but if you do or if wrong should be done to you I hope words spoken in private can resolve the issue. Words: they are able to heal and hurt. It is my hope they heal and issues are dealt with according to The Word.