Joshua 22:10-12
When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.
Fortunately this misunderstanding was cleared up when the Israelites send a contingent to confront them on this. After talking with the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh, they learned that the alter was to serve as a reminder and witness to future generations that the Lord is God. It wasn't to slight God or replace what God had established. Whew, war averted. Good thing they didn't shoot first and ask questions later.
Do I tend to gear myself up for "war" based on something I've heard about another person before I know the real circumstances? Do I accuse based on my perceptions of how something looks rather than seek to know the heart and intent of a brother or sister? Yes, I do have a responsibility to correct error and hold others accountable so they do not turn away from being faithful. But I need to respectfully seek them out in gentleness and engage in a dialogue that will help us understand each other and get on the same page of wanting to live in a way that honors God.
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