Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Reuben had responded in the same spirit, war would have been the
result. It is important not to be careless in dealing with sin, but it is
equally important to stay away from harsh judgment and groundless
suspicion.
No one was ever rescued from a wrong position by scolding
and blame, but these things have driven many further from the right
path to harden their hearts against conviction. A self-controlled,
courteous approach may save the ones who have made a mistake.
While honestly seeking to promote the cause of true religion,
the Reubenites were misjudged and severely reprimanded; yet they
listened with courtesy and patience to the accusations before
attempting to make their defense, and then fully explained their
motives and showed their innocence.
Even under false accusation, those in the right can afford to be
calm and considerate. God knows the truth about everything that
people misunderstand and misinterpret, and we can safely leave our
case in His hands. He will defend the cause of those who put their
trust in Him.
Just before His crucifixion, Christ prayed that His disciples
might be one as He is one with the Father, that the world might
believe that God had sent Him. This touching prayer reaches down
the ages, even to our day. While we are not to sacrifice one principle
of truth, it should be our constant aim to reach this state of unity.
Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you
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