Support sorting configuration

**Problem**
When working with validation, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

Start by locating the validation and error-handling code related to configuration, then compare it with the request to support sorting configuration. The issue does not name files, tests, sorting rules, or expected messages, so clarify the intended behavior and acceptance criteria before making changes.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.