It’s dangerous to jump to conclusions about another person’s actions or motives. In Joshua 22, thousands of people nearly face death over a misunderstanding between people of the Lord.

The Background: The Israelites had finally entered the Promised Land, the wars were over, and each tribe had their assigned portion of land. The tribes living on the opposite side of the Jordan River were sent home in favor after keeping their promise and fighting well on behalf of the other tribes.

They returned home in victory, and built an altar to the Lord. The other tribes heard of it and were upset. See, the Lord had commanded that the only place Israelites could worship was at the place He designated.

“So the whole community of Israel gathered at Shiloh and prepared to go to war against them. First, however, they sent a delegation led by Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, to talk with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” Joshua‬ ‭22:12-13‬ ‭

Thank goodness they sent the delegation to talk first. Turns out, not only were the accused’s motives pure, they were making efforts to ensure future descendants would be able to still worship the Lord as He commanded.

“So we decided to build the altar, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a memorial. It will remind our descendants and your descendants that we, too, have the right to worship the Lord at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings. Then your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no claim to the Lord.’ “If they say this, our descendants can reply, ‘Look at this copy of the Lord’s altar that our ancestors made. It is not for burnt offerings or sacrifices; it is a reminder of the relationship both of us have with the Lord.’” Joshua‬ ‭22:26-28‬ ‭

Do you feel like going to war against a Christian brother or sister? Feeling angry that you think they are dishonoring the Lord? Be sure to talk it over with them first, in private (not on social media), and take time to listen. It may turn out that their motives are pure and that the steps they are taking are actually to ensure descendants of both parties worship God with unity.