Archive | Have you ever been hurt in the church? RSS feed for this section

Resolving Conflict 101

27 Jul
"Satan Sowing Seeds" by Felicien Rop...

Image via Wikipedia

Hurts happen. And following Jesus does not provide insurance against the pain, angst, and heartache of relational breakdowns, disappointments, and ugliness. What the Bible does provide is comfort when things fall apart, and a clear set of instructions on how to attempt restoration.

Here are the basics. When we experience a relational breakdown and are seeking conflict resolution and repair, we must:

  1. Resolve it worshipfully. Jesus ranked conflict resolution as high in significance as He did our corporate worship expressions.
  2. Resolve it quickly. Things sour and burn when they simmer too long.
  3. Resolve it personally. Jesus said GO to your brother or sister—He didn’t say post a comment on Facebook, or send a well-crafted text or email.
  4. Resolve it privately. One-on-one and face-to-face conversations are the starting points for biblical conflict resolutions.
  5. Resolve it truthfully. Truthful communication is clear communication that focuses on truth—what are the facts? What is the context? What is the heart motivation? Avoid suspicion, emotion, or unfair character assassinations.
  6. Resolve it lovingly. A true friend says, “I love you enough to not let this go. I love you enough to talk to you instead of becoming offended by you. And I love you enough to forgive you and attempt reconciliation.”
  7. Resolve it thoroughly. Satan, the “accuser of the brethren” operates his spiritual warfare through hurtful or confusing communication patterns—we must communicate in ways that shut his operation down.

Scripture references: Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15-16; Ephesians 4:15; Revelation 12:10

Why God’s judgment is a “good” thing

29 Jun
Join the movement to end child abuse: www.1sta...
Image via Wikipedia

Is the Christian God a God of judgment or a God of love?

Sometimes people struggle with the judging aspect of God’s nature, and they can’t seem to reconcile His judgment with His love. They reason that a God of love would not judge, but rather would exclusively show love.

I think the point is widely missed in this sentiment, however, and I would argue that God’s judgment is proof of His love. When we think of the vicious atrocities that are imposed upon innocent people every day in our world, our hearts cry out for judgment. When we consider assault, child abuse, genocide, kidnapping, human kidnapping, and all of the other horrors in our world, it’s easy to see that the only loving response to such evil is judgment.

How could we trust the love of a God who failed to ultimately punish such injustices?

I love the ancient words from the prophet Amos who was angered by a lawless culture. He said on God’s behalf, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).

I’m grateful that He is a God of judgment. And I’m grateful that in His judging He shows that He is also a God of love. 

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 52 other followers