Confronting Conflict
Conflict is hard. It can make our insides all twisted. Our palms get sweaty. Our heart starts to race. And if we are honest with ourselves, we just want to run from it most of the time. There are times it feels easier to run from the problem rather than confront it. But does that work? In all the instances in your life, when you don’t confront an issue, does it go away? Or does the problem continue until you are more upset about it?
The truth is, conflict left undiscussed has the potential to ruin relationships and even the faith community and the movement of the Gospel. Paul had witnessed Peter change how he interacted with Gentile believers because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group (Galatians 2:12b NIV). Peter was afraid of the perception of the Jewish believer. Left unspoken about, this could have hurt the early church and the movement of the gospel creating a divide between Jewish and Gentile Christians. So when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned (Galatians 2:11 NIV).
By confronting the issue directly, Peter was set back on the path that led to tremendous growth in the body. As believers, we are called to the same when conflict arises between our fellow believers. We aren’t meant to sweep it under the rug and hope the issues go away. Unresolved issues can only lead to hurt feelings and ruined relationships. And the truth is, confronting the issue in front of us today can be hard. But Scripture is full and helps to lead us through it. Paul goes on later in the letter to the Galatians to say:
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:1-2 NIV).
Confronting conflict may be the very thing needed to restore your relationship. Conflict is not something to avoid or ignore. It is an opportunity for the triumph of grace (David Mathis, Desiring God). Grace can prevail inside of conflict when we approach it in a way that aligns with the teaching of Scripture. Restoration is possible today when we approach it directly like Paul or are receptive like Peter. Restoration can happen when we approach it with gentleness rather than aggression. When we carry each other rather than working against one another.
Conflict is hard, but grace can triumph. It’s the Jesus way.
The truth is, conflict left undiscussed has the potential to ruin relationships and even the faith community and the movement of the Gospel. Paul had witnessed Peter change how he interacted with Gentile believers because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group (Galatians 2:12b NIV). Peter was afraid of the perception of the Jewish believer. Left unspoken about, this could have hurt the early church and the movement of the gospel creating a divide between Jewish and Gentile Christians. So when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned (Galatians 2:11 NIV).
By confronting the issue directly, Peter was set back on the path that led to tremendous growth in the body. As believers, we are called to the same when conflict arises between our fellow believers. We aren’t meant to sweep it under the rug and hope the issues go away. Unresolved issues can only lead to hurt feelings and ruined relationships. And the truth is, confronting the issue in front of us today can be hard. But Scripture is full and helps to lead us through it. Paul goes on later in the letter to the Galatians to say:
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:1-2 NIV).
Confronting conflict may be the very thing needed to restore your relationship. Conflict is not something to avoid or ignore. It is an opportunity for the triumph of grace (David Mathis, Desiring God). Grace can prevail inside of conflict when we approach it in a way that aligns with the teaching of Scripture. Restoration is possible today when we approach it directly like Paul or are receptive like Peter. Restoration can happen when we approach it with gentleness rather than aggression. When we carry each other rather than working against one another.
Conflict is hard, but grace can triumph. It’s the Jesus way.
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