Ezra 4:8. “Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:” WROTE A LETTER. It doesn’t seem right to make accusations without speaking face to face. Or if after a reasonable dialogue, to spread rumors to those in another place. The damage that is done by doing things this way may last a very long time. It may be irreparable when there is no resolution to find.
The reasons behind opposition may at first be very small. And if after discussion is made, you may find there is nothing to it at all. One person may do things a little different from the way you choose to do. But by a conversation with each other, the problem will soon be through.
However, when complaints are written against another, they are hard to reverse. Explanations may be tried to make, but usually it makes things worse. To stop the tide of opinion that comes from an accusing letter – Will take the death of one side or the other before things can be made better.
Accusations written down to read can stop a work for God in its tracks. The fallout from such statements of opinion can never be taken back. A work begun may falter and die and never be started again; Because those making the written accusations weren’t involved when the work began.
If something is obviously evil about a work that another person does; It is right to address the problem before further problems are caused. The mode of correction is clear: go to that person or persons alone. If they will hear your concerns and correct them; the work is already done.
If for some reason they will not listen, take another person along – Who knows for himself there is a serious problem, and wants to right the wrong. Almost always that solves the problem and there is nothing written to accuse At some later date an issue that a righteous dialogue did diffuse.
Words spoken carelessly; one wrote; are like caged birds that are let loose. There is no bringing back what is written when to send that letter one did choose. A letter can be a very good thing if its purpose is to help and inform. When an accusing letter has left your hand, what you said cannot be undone.
“O God who knows all: I pray of Thee today to give me the common sense and understanding to do things Thy way. If a correction is in order, help me to give it with grace, or receive it in the same way. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”