Send the Leaders First

[S] Joshua 22:13-14 --
13 Then the sons of Israel sent to the sons of Reuben and to the sons of Gad and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest,14 and with him ten chiefs, one chief for each father's household from each of the tribes of Israel; and each one of them was the head of his father's household among the thousands of Israel.
[O] I see here a beautiful and godly way of seeking reconciliation (or clarification of understanding before taking any action against wrong doing).  The Israelite sent key leaders to seek out the situation which seemed as though sons of Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh were committing sin against the Lord.  Once they arrived an inquired of the situation they cleared the misunderstanding and sustained the harmonious relationship with them. Proverbs 18:17 -- The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. -- comes to mind which emphasizes the criticality of hearing both sides of the story before making up any decisions on a person.

[A] Before making any haste judgment against anyone, make sure to verify the facts and their intentions first.  This is the graceful method.

[P] Dear Father, please allow my heart to be large enough to embrace different situations with Your grace.  I've learned the beautiful way of settling the dispute here from the Jewish leaders and I hope to be a leader like them.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.