Letter from Donald Ward, Chairman

We have just completed one of the most inspiring meetings of the General Conference of Elders (GCE) in recent times. On the Sabbath there were 641 attendees for services, and there were some 7,000 brethren from around the world that joined us via the webcast. The sermons and the special music were well received based on the feedback that we heard. The inspiring atmosphere and camaraderie of attendees continued for the next two days. There were outstanding addresses given by Council members and members of the administration. Perhaps the highlight of the conference occurred on Sunday afternoon with the roundtable discussions.

As you recall, the theme of the conference was judgment, mercy and faith. During the roundtable discussions questions were presented and discussed focusing on the theme. Written questions were presented at each table on how to exercise judgment, mercy and faith in a wide range of situations and circumstances. This provided every person in attendance an opportunity to express his and her views on the topics at hand. This also helped everyone get to know their fellow brethren better and provided an opportunity for them to share their knowledge and wisdom with each other. Many of the pastors stated that they would from time to time use this kind of format for Bible studies.

There are no short cuts to exercising judgment, mercy and faith. It is God’s prescribed process for reconciliation.

Several elders expressed the desire to explore the theme of judgment, mercy and faith in more detail. It was suggested by some that this theme be carried over to the next meeting of the GCE in 2018. The three topics of judgment, mercy and faith are in practical application a package. After a judgment has been made then comes the opportunity to extend mercy. And after mercy has been extended God exhorts us to go walk in faith.

Oftentimes we are apt to confuse longsuffering with mercy. One of God’s most noble characteristics is longsuffering. Note these words: “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation” (Numbers 14:18, King James Version).

We find similar words in the New Testament, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). The Hebrew and Greek words that are translated “longsuffering” are almost identical in meaning. They convey the meaning of being patient and slow to anger—slow to make snap judgments and punish. In everyday language it means to go the extra mile with a person before judging them and executing punishment. We should also note that “longsuffering” is a fruit of the Spirit.

That being said, we should hasten to add that being longsuffering does not negate the fact that a matter will eventually be judged and punishment executed. Here we are reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:7: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (KJV).

The good news is that we can judge ourselves and repent. Paul writes, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31, KJV). If we fail to judge ourselves, God loves us so much that if we refuse to judge ourselves, He will step in and judge so we will not be judged with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32). Sooner or later God always bring us into account for our actions both in word and deed.

The apostle John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, KJV). A case in point is that of the publican who not so much as lifting up his eyes judged himself and said, “God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The publican made a judgment: “I am a sinner.” God could see that he was of a repentant heart. Jesus then states that this man went to his house justified. God extended mercy to the publican after he judged himself and repented of his sins (Luke 18:14).

The next step is to go walk humbly in faith after our sins have been forgiven and mercy has been extended. The prophet Micah describes this whole process of exercising judgment, mercy and faith: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV). Please note Micah’s words carefully: “What does the Lord require of you?” According to the inspired words of Micah, the exercise of judgment, mercy and faith is a requirement. Jesus states that we should do the weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23).

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul writes that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). The exercise of judgment, mercy and faith is the key to reconciliation. Reconciliation can be achieved by following the process of judgment, mercy and faith. Jesus states that when we come to offer our gift upon the altar and realize that we are not reconciled to our brother we should leave our gift at the altar and go be reconciled to our brother and then come and offer our gift (Matthew 5:23-24). So if we think a brother or sister has something against us we can come together and discuss the matter. Based on God’s immutable spiritual law, we come to a judgment and then ask each other for forgiveness and mercy. This process of reconciliation allows us then to go walk confidently in faith and peace.

But please note: There are no short cuts to exercising judgment, mercy and faith. It is God’s prescribed process for reconciliation. How much anger, frustration, heartache, sleepless nights, anxiety and stress could be prevented if we would follow these simple steps for reconciliation? Remember the words of Micah: “What does God require of you?”

James also adds that mercy glories against judgment (James 2:13). How is this so? Because, after a judgment is made and sins are confessed and repented of, God is faithful and just to forgive us of all unrighteousness. He removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Thus, mercy glories against judgment.

One of the greatest spiritual gifts or sacrifices that we can offer today under the terms of the New Covenant is our prayers. Note the words of the apostle Paul: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16, KJV). Our prayers will be hindered if we are not reconciled to God, Christ and each member of the Body of Christ.

The apostle Paul writes: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, KJV). Weighty words indeed! We have been given the keys to unity and peace. It is up to us to fulfill what God has placed in sacred trust with us—the ministry of reconciliation. As the Psalmist writes, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1, KJV)!