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Rev. Dan Hawn
Senior Pastor |
Peacemaking
– Part 2
Last week, I introduced the topic of peacemaking
(or resolving conflict). We learned:
Conflict is a fact of life and is the result
of our sin nature.
There are 3 categories of responses to
conflict – escape responses, attack responses or
conciliation responses.
God repeatedly commands His people to pursue
peace and promises to bless us if we do.
One thing I failed to do last week was define
conflict. Conflict is “a difference in opinion
or purpose that frustrates someone’s goals or
desires.”
Most importantly, the Bible teaches that we
should see conflict neither as an inconvenience
nor as an occasion for selfish gain, but rather
an opportunity to demonstrate the presence and
power of God.
This is what the Apostle Paul told the
Christians in Corinth when religious, legal and
dietary disputes threatened to divide their
church:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause
anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the
church of God – even as I try to please
everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my
own good but the good of many, . . . Follow my
example, as I follow the example of Christ (I
Cor. 10:31-11:1).
This passage presents a radical view of
conflict; it encourages us to look at conflict
as an opportunity to glorify God, to serve
others, and to grow to be like Christ.
This perspective may seem naïve and foolish at
first glance, especially to anyone who is
presently embroiled in a dispute. However, this
view can inspire remarkably practical (and
effective) responses to conflict.
After focusing on God and his concerns, the next
step is to focus on yourself – not to justify
yourself and develop a scheme to get your way,
but to examine your attitude and evaluate your
faults and responsibilities in the situation.
This personal inspection will help you see
things more clearly, overlook minor offenses,
and take responsibility for your contributions
to the dispute. Many times, this will accelerate
a solution to the conflict.
We’ll address the importance of personal
introspection a bit more next week.
With appreciation,
Pastor Dan
Note: Some of the above material comes from “The
Peacemaker” by Ken Sande.
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