Conflict among brethren is nothing new.  We can see it throughout most of the epistles in the New Testament (Acts 15,
Romans 2-8, I Corinthians 1:10-11; 11:18-34, Galatians 2, etc…).  Some conflicts should have never occurred (Romans 14)
while others should have been dealt with which were not (I Corinthians 5).  Jesus wanted unity among His disciples (John 17:
20-23), but too many seem bent on providing division instead.  This truly is a sad statement of Christians from the first century
through our present generation.

     Jesus said: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love
one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35).  
Yet, most “brethren” cannot even find unity on the definition of brotherly love.  Some say it is to overlook sin, few others
concur it is to address it (Revelation 3:19).  Many say love is about choice, while few concur with the truth that love is about
conforming to the ways of Christ (I John 5:2-3 and II John 6).  Even when love is at the center of discussion among feuding
Christians, it is rarely shown and often misunderstood when it is shown.  This too is a sad statement.

     I have often heard it said, “we can disagree, but let us not be disagreeable”.  Brethren have too often had this wrong.  We
cannot disagree (Amos 3:3, Galatians 5:7-9, and Philippians 3:16), thus there is nothing to say about how we do so.  When
there are errors committed and one or more parties are wrong; we must be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:20).  Too often
brethren have employed these little phrases to imply that some wrongs are not necessarily divisive.  Oh, they do err greatly as
any error [singular] puts one outside of Christ (James 2:10-12; cf. II Corinthians 7:1).  The body of Christ does not stretch to
include the faithful and those “almost faithful” (II John 9).  We must help and / or expose the erring (Acts 18:24-28 and
Ephesians 5:11).  It is this very principle that our article is titled after and shall deal with.  We must remember each other’s
deeds, not overlook them.


     You will notice the title of our article in this quote and principle point which we shall discuss hereafter: “I wrote unto the
church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.  Wherefore, if I come, I
will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither
doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.  Beloved,
follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen
God” (III John 9-11).  The Apostle John in this his letter to Gaius, did not pass-over the sins of Diotrephes.  Some could say
that John’s words were a threat.  Sure they were.  Some could say that John’s words might cause problems in that local area.  
Sure they might.  However, the problem was not John, but Diotrephes.  You see, it is too often that those who work to expose
error and save souls are established as the trouble makers instead of the truth seekers.  This happened to great men such as
Elijah (I Kings 18:17-21) and Paul (Acts 24:5).  Brethren, I am puzzled at how many members of the body of Christ I have
heard over the years who simply thought it wrong to deal with sin and those that commit it.  Whatever happened to those who
would earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3)?  The truth is, there never have been that many!

     The Apostle John was not like many Christians today who hide behind gossip.  You’ll recall, this was a tool of men like
Diotrephes who John was looking to contend with.  You see, men of error often have to blacken the eye of the faithful so that
they can have a carnal advantage.  Well, John and men of like precious faith do not use such carnal tactics (II Corinthians 10:3-
4).  John wanted to handle these matters face to face.  He wrote this to conclude his letter: “I had many things to write, but I
will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be
to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name” (III John 13-14).  One thing I have hated with a passion in our
current generation is email with those of disagreement.  Boy, they sure are bold when they are in front of a computer screen
using a Bible program, but in person they’d wet themselves in a frank discussion.  Brethren, let us all be like John and prefer to
handle matters face to face.  Herein, we may measure the stature of a man or woman in their true nature of godliness or lack
thereof.  Face to face we can talk about what God says (I Corinthians 4:6).  You see, other forms of communication allow for
the other parties to call their gossiping, slanderous, partners of corruption and to achieve the level of satisfaction because they
one up you, rather than having an honest discussion.  

     Let us be like John and truly care about the souls of brethren.  John said: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my
children walk in truth” (III John 4).  The divisions that are readily among us today show the lack of love for souls.  Mostly,
the egos of preachers and their respective congregations (which merely act as their cheerleaders) are forcing positions of
opinion which lead to the destruction of all involved (I Timothy 1:3-4 and II Timothy 2:14-18).  If we care about souls our
motives will keep us out of the games and keep us focused on the salvation of souls.  Yes, you will find yourself assaulted as
did John, Jesus, and all others who stood for the truth.  Yet, those who truly need help will have a person with whom to find it.  
Let’s just never become those who find reasons to overlook the sins of our brethren.


     “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward...  
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted…  Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;  
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall
hide a multitude of sins”  (II John 8, Galatians 6:1, and James 5:19-20).
Volume VIII    ~    Issue XIX   ~   February 3rd, 2008
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
“I Will Remember His Deeds”
By: Brian A. Yeager
The Apostle John Did Not Practice the Passover
Conclusion