how to handle conflict!

These two sisters had conflict with each other. They were in disagreement over something. They were told to be unified on the matter. 

Often there are disagreement and disputes among Christians. The answer to the problem is for individuals to ask God for His mind on the situation. If there is some Scripture that directly addresses it, then go with what the word says. If if is something that needs prayer and seeking the face of the Lord, then both need to do that and let God’s word be the final word.

The problem often, is that we do neither of the above; which proves that we are not interested in what God’s thoughts are on the matter. We just want our own way.

Why can’t we solve issues among ourselves?  Somewhere, someone has chosen to disobey God. Our pride, our flesh, our egos, and jealousies and envies rule. 

Paul simply says to these two women to get on board with God’s mind and opinion. He uses God as the measure, he uses God as the focus, he uses God as the objective. Paul does not focus on what their issue was or who was right or wrong. He doesn’t try to mediate between them. He simply says, “What God thinks and says is the perspective you both need.”

That’s the answer to any conflict among saints in general! Once we make God our objective and give Him the place in our lives, the less conflict, or little to no conflict, we will have with others. 

Unity depends on one's spirit and attitude. The absence of unity brings all sorts of problems that limit the Holy Spirit. The individuals involved in the dispute won’t receive direction from the Lord. They will function with diminished power and direction. 

This same thing applies to:

1. Commities
2. Marriages
3. Leaders in the church

We will have disagreements as humans, but we have to get on board with the Lord and His mind, if not, the situation between people will only grow into something worse, and take on legs and arms that will do great damage to each other, and it most definitely will spill over into the rest of the church. It could divide the church!

There are some things that we will never agree on, so do I take the low place, humbling myself for the sake of unity and peace, or do I fight tooth and nail for my position to not only be heard, but received? Do I force my point or, or do I let it go, and leave it to the Lord to handle without causing division, dis-unity or problems?

Although we have differing opinions, we can be of the same mind in the Lord. When you choose what is pleasing to the Lord, you can leave Him to either change the other person’s mind or help them to come to some sort of understanding with you. In the event neither happens, you have to agree to disagree, yet, keep the peace and unity between you both for Christ’s sake, and not take it personally where you stop speaking to each other or being kind. When you take the disagreement personally, you place the person in the position of enemy, or against you, and act out negatively against them because they don’t see things your way. This is bad. Imagine what would eventually happen to a marriage when that’s done, or a friendship, or within a committee who’s decision will impact the benefit of the local church, or if the leaders of the church exhibit such behavior.