BIBICALLY handling Conflicts and Disputes

This was our Sunday School lesson this morning, and I felt lead to share with you, the TRUTH of this WORD.

What about you? How we can BIBLICALLY handle conflicts and disputes.

C - Calm Down
O - Open your mind to understand opposing views (Really listen to what you and the opposing view are saying)
N - Never resort to name calling or personal insults
F - Fight fair!
L - Look to the Scriptures for guidance
I - Invite others who can shed light and give spiritual guidance (Elders of the Church)
C - Consider a solution that all parties can accept
T - Trust in the LORD to help you impliment solutions

Please read the following scriptures: Acts 11:1-18; Acts 15:1-28

While looking at the early Church, we can see that there arose the issue of whether the Gentiles, needed to be circumcised, according to the Old Testiment Laws. According to the scriptures, the matter was brought before the Church Elders, and the decision was that the Gentiles did not need to follow the OT Law, concerning circumcision, but there are things that we are to follow. The early Church gives us the example, by which we as Christians should act towards one another. We are to act according to the LOVE that the LORD has given to us, and the commandment to love one another.

The BIBLICAL TRUTH:

When Christians face conflict, we need to resolve it in ways that strengthen the Church and the relationship with one another. When we follow this principal, we also will see growth within the Church. It is living according to the WORD, and within the LOVE of the LORD, that we follow this principal.

Please remember that pleasant words, are always called for.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Also, if you are not called to participate in settling a conflict, don't get involved.

Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

If you truly love one another, then when your church, (or any members of a place such as this forum), are involved in a dispute or conflict, you will pray for the the issues to be resolved. It is up to the for the Elders (those in charge) to handle the situation, according to the WORD. Don't get involved other than by praying, unless you, are called to help resolve the issue. If you are called to help resolve the issue, then you are to seek WISDOM from the WORD and through prayerfully, asking the LORD for guidance.

In order for a Church (Christians) to grow, then you need to respect one another, by calming the conflict and by listening to each other. When we do this according to the WORD, all parties are satisfied, and will be in agreement on the resolution.

Let's grow in the WORD, by acting according to the WORD. Amen.