How can Joshua 22:15 guide us in addressing misunderstandings among believers today? Setting the Scene After years of united warfare in Canaan, the eastern tribes built an altar by the Jordan. Rumors flew: “They’re rebelling!” Israel prepared for civil war—until a delegation led by Phinehas went to talk things through (Joshua 22). Verse 15 captures the turning point: Scripture Focus “When they came to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead, they said to them,” (Joshua 22:15) Noticing the Key Actions • They went in person—no second-hand reports or gossip. • They approached the concerned parties directly before taking action. • They opened a respectful conversation, giving the others room to speak. Principles for Today • Personal contact over impersonal commentary – Compare Matthew 18:15: “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately.” • Listening before judging – Proverbs 18:13: “He who answers before he hears—this is folly and shame to him.” • Preserving unity without compromising truth – Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Practical Steps for Our Relationships 1. Go to the source. • Phone call, face-to-face meeting, video chat—anything that allows real dialogue. 2. State concerns with humility. • “This is what I’ve heard; can you help me understand?” avoids accusations. 3. Listen fully. • James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” 4. Seek clarification before drawing conclusions. • Many conflicts dissolve when motives are understood. 5. Uphold truth and grace together. • Galatians 6:1 calls us to restore one another “in a spirit of gentleness.” 6. Be ready to adjust attitudes and actions based on new information. • The western tribes canceled their war plans once they heard the explanation (Joshua 22:30-31). Encouragement to Live it Out Misunderstandings will arise, but Joshua 22:15 shows a better way than silent suspicion or public shaming: go, talk, listen, and work toward peace grounded in biblical truth. |
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