Conflict Between Christians

Chuckle: Child's comment on the Bible: "Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol."

Good Quote: "It takes two to make a quarrel, but only one to end it." --Spanish Proverb

CONFLICT BETWEEN CHRISTIANS

"And now I want to plead with those two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true teammate, to help these women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. And they worked with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life" (Philippians 4:2-3 NLT).

Paul addressed the conflict between two prominent women in the church at Philippi, but conflict among Christians is no respecter of gender -- it can happen to anyone, especially if our hearts aren't constantly focused on Jesus Christ and on keeping the main thing the main thing -- the Great Commandment and the Great Commission (Matthew 22:37-38, 28:19-20).

Conflict between these two influential church leaders was no small matter, because many had become believers through their efforts. Their credibility, and the credibility of Christianity, was on trial before these new and impressionable believers. Conflict within a congregation can drive people away and destroy the church's witness. If conflict exists in your church, this passage contains an important message for you; if not, there is a helpful preventive message as well. Let's glean some truths from these words.

First: In love, we should always find a way to reconcile our differences. Paul pleaded with the women to come together and work out their problems. He asked them to take the initiative in reconciliation -- to take responsibility for restoring their relationship and fellowship. Jesus said we are to take the initiative by going to the person who has something against us and reconcile our differences (Matthew 5:23).

Please, don't ignore festering anger, resentment, and hurt, no matter who is at fault. It will only get worse and will control your life and rob you of joy and peace. Paul also asked them to seek to be like-minded with Christ. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5 KJV). Differences of opinion should not result in irresolvable conflict. Differences should be addressed in an atmosphere of love, understanding, and concern for the feelings of the other person. Also, it is helpful to ask, "What would Jesus do in this situation?"

Second: Sometimes even the most mature Christians need help to overcome their differences, especially if they cannot, or will not, work out their problems themselves. Notice that Paul asked an unidentified loyal ministry teammate to act as a peacemaker to encourage reconciliation between the women. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9 NIV). Wise peacemakers give those on both sides of the conflict a way out -- a way to peace and harmony without finding fault or placing blame.

We have conflicts in our homes, in our work, with our neighbors, and within the church. In each of these situations, differences can usually be worked out if the parties involved seek to see the other through the eyes of Christ -- as a beloved human being for whom Christ willingly gave himself. Also, talented peacemakers can make the difference. There is no excuse for remaining in conflict with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Love, Jerry & Dotse