Listening To The Word - 1 YearПримерок

Responding to Conflict

Acts 15:2, 39-40
“This brought Paul and Barnabus into sharp dispute and debate with them [the circumcision group]…They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabus took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left…”

Some disagreements are theological and require further study and discussion before a resolution or church position can be determined. Other disagreements are about strategy and varied perceptions of direction; these disagreements are less likely to be resolved without the assistance of positional authority. Both forms of conflict were present in the early church and the life of Paul. Avoiding conflict in leadership only allows issues to grow and damage more people. Addressing conflict through broader consultation and discernment is sometimes helpful when the conflict affects a broader scope of people. The conflict over circumcision was resolved; the conflict over Mark was not. Later in Paul’s writings we find him requesting Mark’s presence (2 Timothy 4:11), because he is now helpful to him. Some conflicts require time to resolve. All conflicts should call us to prayer and fresh resources of God’s grace, forgiveness and wisdom.

Lord Jesus, I pray for humility this day, and for your wisdom in responding to conflict, for your glory.