Adapted from: How to Mishandle Conflict by Dr. Sam Holm
Handling Conflict the Jesus Way
How do you handle conflict in your life?
If you're like most of us, conflict is an inevitable part of life. Whether it's a disagreement with a co-worker, a misunderstanding with a friend, or a family dispute, conflict can be challenging to navigate. But what if I told you that there's a way to handle conflict that not only resolves the issue but also brings you closer to God and others?
In our recent sermon from 1 Corinthians 6, we explored how the Apostle Paul advises the church in Corinth to handle disputes. His teachings are not just for the early church; they are incredibly relevant for us today. Let's dive into how we can handle conflict the Jesus way.
The Main Point: Handle Conflict Differently
Paul's main point in 1 Corinthians 6 is clear: Christians should handle conflict differently than the world does. Instead of taking disputes to secular courts, Paul urges believers to resolve their issues within the church community. Why? Because we have the mind of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us make wise decisions.
Why Should You Care?
You might be wondering, "Why should I care about handling conflict differently?" Here's why: How you handle conflict can either glorify God or bring shame to His name. When we handle disputes like the world does—through public shaming or legal battles—we miss the opportunity to show the world the love and wisdom of Christ. But when we handle conflict with grace and humility, we reflect Jesus' love and bring glory to God.
What Should You Do?
So, what can you do to handle conflict the Jesus way? Here are some practical steps:
1. Seek Reconciliation Privately: Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:15-17 to first address the person privately. If they don't listen, bring one or two others along. Only if they still refuse to listen should you bring it to the church.
2. Avoid Public Shaming: Paul warns against taking disputes to secular courts where the goal is often to publicly shame the other person. Instead, seek to resolve issues within the church community.
3. Be Willing to Suffer Wrong: This is perhaps the most challenging part. Paul suggests that it's better to suffer wrong or be defrauded than to bring shame to the name of Christ. This doesn't mean you should tolerate abuse or criminal behavior, but it does mean you should be willing to endure minor wrongs for the sake of unity and love.
Why Should You Do It?
Handling conflict the Jesus way is not just about resolving disputes; it's about living out the gospel. When you handle conflict with grace, humility, and a willingness to suffer wrong, you reflect Jesus' love to the world. You show that your faith is not just a set of beliefs but a transformative way of life.
Make It Memorable
To make this memorable, think of conflict as an opportunity to show Jesus' love. Every time you face a dispute, ask yourself, "How can I handle this in a way that glorifies God?" Remember, tension brings attention. How you handle conflict can either draw people to Jesus or push them away.
Conclusion
The point is clear: Jesus wants us to handle conflict in a way that reflects His love and wisdom. What will you do this week to handle conflict differently? Will you seek reconciliation privately? Will you avoid public shaming? Will you be willing to suffer wrong for the sake of unity?
If you don't take these steps, you'll miss out on the opportunity to glorify God and grow in your faith. So, I'm asking you to commit to handling conflict the Jesus way. Your actions can make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
By following these steps, you can handle conflict in a way that not only resolves the issue but also brings you closer to God and others. Let's commit to handling conflict the Jesus way and watch how it transforms our lives and our community.
If you're like most of us, conflict is an inevitable part of life. Whether it's a disagreement with a co-worker, a misunderstanding with a friend, or a family dispute, conflict can be challenging to navigate. But what if I told you that there's a way to handle conflict that not only resolves the issue but also brings you closer to God and others?
In our recent sermon from 1 Corinthians 6, we explored how the Apostle Paul advises the church in Corinth to handle disputes. His teachings are not just for the early church; they are incredibly relevant for us today. Let's dive into how we can handle conflict the Jesus way.
The Main Point: Handle Conflict Differently
Paul's main point in 1 Corinthians 6 is clear: Christians should handle conflict differently than the world does. Instead of taking disputes to secular courts, Paul urges believers to resolve their issues within the church community. Why? Because we have the mind of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us make wise decisions.
Why Should You Care?
You might be wondering, "Why should I care about handling conflict differently?" Here's why: How you handle conflict can either glorify God or bring shame to His name. When we handle disputes like the world does—through public shaming or legal battles—we miss the opportunity to show the world the love and wisdom of Christ. But when we handle conflict with grace and humility, we reflect Jesus' love and bring glory to God.
What Should You Do?
So, what can you do to handle conflict the Jesus way? Here are some practical steps:
1. Seek Reconciliation Privately: Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:15-17 to first address the person privately. If they don't listen, bring one or two others along. Only if they still refuse to listen should you bring it to the church.
2. Avoid Public Shaming: Paul warns against taking disputes to secular courts where the goal is often to publicly shame the other person. Instead, seek to resolve issues within the church community.
3. Be Willing to Suffer Wrong: This is perhaps the most challenging part. Paul suggests that it's better to suffer wrong or be defrauded than to bring shame to the name of Christ. This doesn't mean you should tolerate abuse or criminal behavior, but it does mean you should be willing to endure minor wrongs for the sake of unity and love.
Why Should You Do It?
Handling conflict the Jesus way is not just about resolving disputes; it's about living out the gospel. When you handle conflict with grace, humility, and a willingness to suffer wrong, you reflect Jesus' love to the world. You show that your faith is not just a set of beliefs but a transformative way of life.
Make It Memorable
To make this memorable, think of conflict as an opportunity to show Jesus' love. Every time you face a dispute, ask yourself, "How can I handle this in a way that glorifies God?" Remember, tension brings attention. How you handle conflict can either draw people to Jesus or push them away.
Conclusion
The point is clear: Jesus wants us to handle conflict in a way that reflects His love and wisdom. What will you do this week to handle conflict differently? Will you seek reconciliation privately? Will you avoid public shaming? Will you be willing to suffer wrong for the sake of unity?
If you don't take these steps, you'll miss out on the opportunity to glorify God and grow in your faith. So, I'm asking you to commit to handling conflict the Jesus way. Your actions can make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
By following these steps, you can handle conflict in a way that not only resolves the issue but also brings you closer to God and others. Let's commit to handling conflict the Jesus way and watch how it transforms our lives and our community.
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