A NOTE FROM PASTOR MARGE
Conflict is an unavoidable part of relationships, of living life together as followers of Jesus Christ. The question is not whether conflict will come, but how we will handle conflict as Christ followers when conflict knocks on our front door. The apostle Paul gives young Timothy some awesome wisdom when it comes to dealing with conflict in 2 Timothy 2:22-26, wisdom and advice that we should take to heart too. Paul’s conclusion is this, however: even if we follow his advice and flee our youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace instead, there is no guarantee that the person we are in conflict with will do the same. Maybe that person will see the error of his or her ways and repent. Or maybe not. We do not have the ability to change the heart of another person, but we do have the ability to let the Lord change our own heart. We have the ability to flee our youthful passions and run to Jesus instead. You see church, here is the reason why conflict can be a good thing: conflict is an opportunity for grace. To let the Lord mold and shape our own heart during times of strife and conflict. To give grace to someone who may not deserve it. You wanna be more like Jesus? Give someone grace during conflict, even though they do not deserve it. It’s about grace, not fairness. After all, it’s exactly what Jesus did for us, isn’t it?
Marge
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