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Rectifying Wrong, April 6
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his
fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast
gained thy brother.
Matthew 18:15
.
As you go to the one you suppose to be in fault, see that you speak in a
meek and lowly spirit, for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of
God. The erring can in no other way be restored than in the spirit of meekness
and gentleness and tender love. Be careful in your manner of speaking. Avoid
everything in look or gesture, word or tone of voice, that savors of pride or
self-sufficiency. Guard yourself against word or look that would exalt yourself
or set your goodness and righteousness in contrast to their failings. Beware
of the most distant approach to disdain, overbearing, or contempt. With care,
avoid every appearance of anger, and though you use plainness of speech, yet
let there be no reproach, no railing accusation, no token of warmth, but that
of earnest love.
Above all, let there be no shadow of hate or ill will, no bitterness or
soreness of expression. Nothing but kindness and gentleness can flow from a
heart of love. Yet all these precious fruits need not hinder your speaking in
the most serious, solemn manner, as though angels were directing their eyes
upon you, and you acting in reference to the coming judgment.
Bear in mind that the success of reproof depends greatly upon the spirit in
which it was given. Do not neglect earnest prayer that you may possess a lowly
mind, and that angels of God may work upon the hearts before you, which
you are trying to reach, and so soften them by heavenly impressions that your
efforts may avail. If any good is accomplished take no credit yourself. God
alone should be exalted. God alone hath done it all....
All your efforts to save the erring may be unavailing. They may repay you
evil for good. They may be enraged rather than convinced. What if they hear
to no good purpose and pursue the evil course they have started to follow?
This will frequently be the case. Sometimes the mildest and tenderest reproof
will have no good effect. In that case the blessing you wanted another to
receive by pursuing a course of righteousness, ceasing to do evil and learning
to do well, will return into your own bosom. If the erring persist in sin, treat
them kindly and leave them with your heavenly Father.—
Letter 30, April 6,
1868
, to Brother and Sister Rogers.
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