This week we will be talking about dealing with conflict in the Body of Christ because we are all sinners with rough edges, and conflict of one sort or another will inevitably arise. The bible has several passages that give specific instruction on conflict, the most explicit are Matthew 5:21-26, Matthew 18:15-20, and Ephesians 4:25-28. We will talk about why God gives us these instructions on conflict resolution and what happens when we don’t follow these instructions. We will also talk about behaviors that lead to more conflict (such as gossip,Proverbs 16:28 or love of money, 1 Timothy 6:3-5), discuss some practices that help minimize conflict (e.g. 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Ephesians 4:29), and look at some cautions while trying to help others diffuse their conflict (e.g. Matthew 18:15-17, Proverbs 27:17). We will also touch briefly on reconciliation and forgiveness because it is so closely related to conflict in the Christian life, but we will talk about it in more detail at a later Large Group.
I pray that we will all continue to grow in wisdom and maturity with each other. I exhort us to spend time with each other so that we may grow in friendship and love for one another. I am encouraged by the love and commitment to each other that I have seen and heard about so far this year and I call us all to continue steadfastly along that path.
Please also remember your ‘homework’: a) to live out what we are talking about in Large Group, b) to spend time together growing in friendship and encouragement, and c) to invite a friend (or 2 or 3…) to Large Group!
