Jesus Is The Only Solution
We all know what it is like to be in conflict with others. That is the harsh reality of living in a fallen world where we regularly sin against others, and are regularly sinned against by others. If you are not currently experiencing relational conflict, it is coming. The question is, how will you handle it when it comes? Will you choose to live in a way that honors God and seeks the good of your neighbor (a fellow sinner who is made in God’s image), or will you live to please yourself and further a self-centered agenda?
Make no mistake – the Bible is clear that we are the biggest problem in our relationships, not another person. James 4:1-2 says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” I am the problem, and Jesus is the solution. It is only when I focus on the undeserved mercy and grace that I have received from God in the person of Jesus Christ that I will desire to be a peacemaker instead of peace-breaker.
Resolving relational conflict is critical because it is one of the practical ways that we can live in light of the gospel. Jesus calls us to reflect His character to an unbelieving world by striving to be agents of reconciliation. We are to walk in Jesus’ steps, who “…was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19). Resolving conflict in a healthy, biblical manner is a way that gospel advancement takes place.
The gospel comes to our family, our neighbor, our friend, our co-worker, and our community group with force when you and I turn from our pride, admit when we are wrong, forgive those who have hurt us, and show kindness to those who don’t deserve it. God uses our seemingly insignificant steps of faith and acts of obedience to accomplish His kingdom purposes.
Listen to Week 8 of Discipleship Training taught by Vintage21 Church Planting Resident, Nick Braunschneider.