Out of This WorldSample

Day 2) The Way We View Conflict

Three Tensions Christians Must Confront

1) Mercy vs. Condemnation

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:7-8 ESV)

Condemnation is receiving the punishment we deserve for our sin. Mercy is not receiving that punishment—not because justice isn’t important, but because Jesus has already taken it for us. Our sin makes us deserving of death and separation from God (Rom. 6:23), but Jesus took that punishment upon Himself (Rom. 5:8). When we truly understand the mercy we’ve received, it changes us. It humbles our hearts and helps us let go of the need to see others “pay” for the wrong they’ve done. This doesn’t mean people shouldn’t face consequences when they break the law—after all, God is just. Instead, it means we should pray that their eyes are opened to the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice—how it not only frees them from eternal separation after death, but also empowers them to walk in obedience in their daily lives.

2) When To Make Peace vs. When To Make War

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:9-10 ESV)

As followers of Jesus, we are called both to make peace and to engage in warfare against the patterns of this world. The Apostle Paul offers clarity in his letter to the church in Ephesus:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)

In other words, we always seek peace with people while engaging in warfare against the devil.

The pain and devastation we see in relationships is rooted in the sway of his schemes, and we are called to combat that darkness with God’s love.

3) His Words vs. Their Words

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11 ESV)

The words we believe will determine the life we live. Following Jesus and choosing to reflect His image will inevitably lead to persecution and hatred. The world will question our beliefs and label us in ways that wound us deeply. However, we can overcome all of it when we understand that He—the Creator and Sustainer of the true Kingdom—calls us “blessed.”

Big Idea: Following Jesus means confronting the tension between mercy and condemnation, peace and spiritual warfare and God's truth versus the world's opinions. As we navigate these conflicts, we are called to reflect His character, trust His Word and live as people marked by grace and courage.

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) How does truly understanding God's mercy toward us change the way we respond to those who have wronged us? Can you think of a time when you were tempted to condemn someone but chose mercy instead?

Question 2) What does it look like, practically, to seek peace with people while engaging in warfare against the devil? Can you think of a time when the enemy caused division in a relationship that was important to you?

Question 3) When have you struggled to believe God's words about you over the words or opinions of others? How can we consistently anchor our identity in what God says rather than in the criticism or praise of people?