Protecting Against False Reports

One of the most trying aspects of this life is the receiving of reports from others untested and unconfirmed which leads to doubts placed in the heart about a brother. Then passing these reports on to others untested. These words stand out.

Deu 19:15  One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

How many times have I fallen into accepting a report from one source and forming a conclusion based on that one report that might be brought to us by a number of people. There needs to be two or three independent witnesses to some event if we would follow the Scripture.

And what if we receive the independent witnesses required? Shall we then pass it on? Shall we not talk to the person directly to hear their understanding? Shall we not do our best to love and encourage praying always that our Father will remove the stumbling block or misunderstanding?

1Co 13:4-7  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  (5)  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  (6)  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;  (7)  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love casts out all fear, but fear hath torment, torment that we must warn against others before making certain the truth and doing all we can to keep the bonds of peace, love and joy.