This excerpt from the ministry of C A Coates, is very practical, when unfortunately a local assembly is divided, and when they are endeavouring to heal the breach. Should we break bread with one side or the other?
One word, in conclusion, as to the course, which brethren in many places have adopted, of declining for a time to receive from places where division occurs. Great exception has been taken to this course, but I fail to see on what scriptural grounds. No person instructed in the truth of the assembly would advocate going to both parties in a case of local division, but would it be wise or gracious to assume at once that every local breach is irreparable, and to decide at once which of the two parties – perhaps equally culpable – we will go with? If brethren go on with one party in such a case, they necessarily refuse the other, and thus decide the case at once. But should not patience be exercised, and space given for repentance, and healing of the breach? No principle is involved in this; it is simply a time of waiting upon God to grant local healing, if it is His will. If healing be not granted, time is needed to enable saints in other places to consider the facts and principles involved therein, of any local breach, and to wait on God for wisdom and guidance in regard to it. So, as far as I know, this is all the brethren desire, and I think any godly person would be quite willing to waive for the time his individual privilege in breaking bread, that such patience might be exercised.
Charles Coates
