How to handle conflict among each other! This is a hard one. For one, confronting is hard for a lot of people, even the ones that act like it is no big deal. Then on top of it, we handle it all wrong and the confronting ends up being more hurtful. Are you glad that God has this taken care of? These verses teaches us exactly how to handle conflict.
First, keep it between the two of you. No one else needs to know about it. In this process, we do not want to shame each other. If the person asks you if there is a problem, don’t lie about it. Remember we have the Holy Spirit speaking to us. Pray over why you are offended. Is it really what the person said or did, or is it you deep down? Could you have misunderstood what was said or did? Satan sure likes to stir trouble up with us Christians. You don’t even need to consult with another person about it. You have God to go to first. For the person who is getting involved in the situation, make sure you point them to this verse. We need to be obedient to God’s word. He has the blue prints right here in this verse. As mature christians, we have to teach the younger ones to know the word and what it says. We have to live it. We don’t get to twist God’s words, to get to the end point of the situation. When we don’t go by God’s ways and do what we think to make unity, it can cause shame. God doesn’t do that. He doesn’t shame us. If the person hears you, you have won your brother over, there can be healing. If this first step is not done correcting, we let Satan have a foot hold in. Then it turns to disunity. Discord among God’s people, depending on how bad things get.
If he doesn’t listen then bring a mediator in to help resolve the situation. This person should be a neutral person. One that doesn’t have a close relationship with either one of you. One that is mature in God. A person that will continue to love both, even if your relationship is strained. If he doesn’t listen then, bring in the church.
When we confront one another, we also have to pray over it and know what God wants us to do. He may asks us to let it go, to take the loss of what is going on and not confront on the issue. With this though, be careful with your own actions of how you treat the other person. Our hearts and mind has to be of love. You might have to ask God to help you love them through it. Discern about what is a serious sin. Is this person really sinning? Is there sin being done? We as humans can turn things around and be offend by something that isn’t even supposed to be that way. Where are you at emotionally? We need to check that?
Lastly, We as christians, have to be aware that nonbelievers are watching us. How we imitate God will either win them or lose them for the kingdom. We will be responsible for that. We always need to be in the mind thought of “Is this God will, His desire?” ” Do my actions show Who God is?”
Do you have a conflict with another believer?
How are you handling it?
Are you praying over it as much as you are consulting with others?
Are you sinning over the situation?
What is your purpose in the confrontation? Is it for you or for them? Is it something that God can address with that person?
Dear Heavenly Father,
It is hard having relationships. Yet, we desire them. God I pray that in all we do, we will follow your word. Be obedient to your word and to seek you out first. I pray that each of us will discerns what is truth. I praise your holy name.
In Jesus Name
Amen
