Conflict

“God, you know my foolishness, and my guilty acts are not hidden from You. Do not let those who put their hope in You be disgraced because of me, Lord God of Armies; do not let those who seek You be humiliated because of me, God of Israel. For I have endured insults because of You, and shame has covered my face…But as for me, Lord, my prayer to You is for a time of favor. In Your abundant, faithful love, God, answer me with Your sure salvation.” – Psalm 69:4-7, 13

Conflict. Most of us are experts at avoiding it. Some of us are experts at winning in it. All of us face it. Sometimes, we are treated unjustly (69:4). Sometimes, we act foolishly (69:5). We are insulted (69:7). We are overwhelmed and cry out for escape (69:1). Is there hope? Jesus says, “Yes!” “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you” (John 15:19). When we clash with those outside the community of faith because of our faith, we have an opportunity to be a living example of Jesus.

But what about our conflicts with those within the community of faith? The Apostle Paul applies the same logic. When I clash with a church member, receive angry emails and even endure thoughtless comments, I have an opportunity to give my brother or sister a living example of Jesus. “Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good, in order to build him up. For even the Messiah did not please himself…” (Romans 15:2-3).

Conflict may be unavoidable, but it is never unredeemable when Jesus followers follow His example.