Just because we serve with other Christians, doesn’t mean we’ll always get along and agree with each other. Prepare for possible conflict.
Reasons We Need to Be Prepared to Face Conflict with Fellow Christians
Think of the mix of people in your group. We come together with …
different personalities and personal styles which leads to different approaches.
varying backgrounds which means varying preconceived ideas.
Add to this mix our self-centered human nature which wants its own way, and we’re bound for conflict if any among us fails to walk by the Spirit.
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? (James 4:1)
What to Remember When Facing Conflicting Approaches and Ideas
God designed the Church to best function when we bring all of our differences together and learn from one another. We grow through the contribution of each part (Eph. 4:16). With this perspective, we work through our differences rather than let them divide us. For that to happen, however, we need to put on the new nature (Eph. 4:22-27). Then we will heed the exhortation to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Phil. 2:3-4)
We can’t control the words and reactions of others. While we do have a responsibility to help them see the error of their ways, they are ultimately accountable for what they do (Gal. 6:1-5). God doesn’t expect us to “fix” others but rather to encourage and warn as needed (1 Thess. 5:14). Be prepared to face conflict by remembering this verse about your personal responsibility: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom. 12:18)
When faced with conflict, our attitudes and emotions can get in the way of resolution. Remember these verses about the need to guard our heart (Prov. 4:23) in conflict: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” (1 Jn. 4:20-21)
For additional help dealing with conflict, check out these resources: Conflict Management & Resolution Resources