1st Timothy 5:19-20. “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” ACCUSATIONS. “What is that you have to say? Something you saw the other day? Just a moment, wait a minute; I want another witness before I hear it! No! Don’t you run away; this is important if all is true – the things you say! You’ve got to go? But this accusation you make, has got to be heard before action we take!”
How often is it that people criticize, making accusations, and sometimes lies About those who lead because they can’t, do what they want, so they put a slant On some incident that took place about which they heard, not believing the facts are often blurred. By a discontented person who doesn’t like a man, so they’ll bring him down if they possibly can.
Make sure there is a witness, or two or three, and not on hearsay, but on what they see Base your reaction on what you’ve been told; if there’s no proof, then your action hold Until something arises that indicates the charges are true, and it is clear you have to see this through, And deal with the issue to make sure the accusation is right; something once hidden is brought into light.
Then the rebuke takes place, and not before, so those hearing take heed and do no more What they have been doing that brought disgrace, upon the Lord and those in this place. And those hearing the rebuke will stop to think about themselves so they won’t sink Into the same pit of temptation and bring dishonor, on the name of the Lord and our gracious Father.
A proper approach to sin, faults, and mistakes can bring recovery by the action we take. God has a plan of discipline He intends to be used, and it can bring the result He does choose. A rebuke, like all discipline, is to be an act of tough love, to bring restoration when the results we prove. Its purpose is achieved when humble repentance indicates to all the end of the sentence.
The behavior of church leaders should be above reproach; we expect more from them than from most Of the people of God, because leaders represent, the condition of the flock over which they are sent – To watch and feed, making sure they know he represents them wherever he goes. And to them, he is responsible to speak for God; he must give constant attendance to the ways of the Lord.
“Holy Father, the leaders of Thy people are often under attack from the power of darkness. Help them to walk with care and kindness before all of the saints. Keep us who submit to their leadership from making unfair and unreasonable criticisms regarding them. Help us not to pass on gossip or reports about trivial matters. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
When accusations are made against elders, that needs to be taken seriously by both the accuser and the accused. Without two or three witnesses to support a charge made, it should not be listened to, let alone received. Adequate confirmation on the part of more than one person is a biblical principle so that justice and judgment can be maintained without slander and ill-will toward a person. As in any kind of discipline, a change of behavior is the ultimate objective. Any unfounded accusation made against an elder must be publicly rebuked. To bear malice and/or seek to destroy the reputation and credibility of a leader of God's people is a serious matter. Others need to fear lest they also make unfounded charges that cannot be substantiated. Those who sin with unfounded words that demean an elder's work and character should be rebuked publicly.