May 1 - Resolving Conflict.

Proverbs 25:9-10
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.”
 
When we find ourselves in the midst of conflict with someone, we have three options of how to conduct ourselves: Tell someone else, keep it to ourselves, or go directly to them. Consider for a moment…which one do you choose most often?
 
God knew we would often have to decide how to handle these situations. Jesus Christ explained the Biblical recipe for resolving conflict in Matthew 18.
 
Tell Him Only.
Matthew 18:15
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
 
Take Someone With You.
Matthew 18:16
“But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”
 
Tell The Church.
Matthew 18:17
“And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
 
This is the method we are told to follow when situations arise in our relationships. Jesus spoke of the process He desires us to use if we cannot keep it to ourselves. Wisdom tells us how to wisely handle conflict.
 
Luke 17:3-4
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
 
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
 
We must strive to resolve conflict Biblically while offering forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Just as Christ forgives us time and time again.
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 3-4  |  Romans 4  |  Proverbs 1