Articles
Unity Despite Difference
The U.N. recognizes 193 countries, 2 independent states, and 50-60 dependent territories. Each one with its unique languages, cultures, and attitudes on life. Everyone on Earth also faces life on Earth uniquely because God exclusively creates us (Psalm 139:13-16). Since the world is distinct, it means that the members of God’s church will also be diverse and vary from each other. Amongst all the differences, how do we handle conflict and strive for unity amongst our sisters and brothers in Christ?
I am a person who dislikes personal confrontation and is tempted to be a people pleaser if it comes up. As a result, my default is to let sleeping dogs lie. If they happen to wake up, then I panic and try to give them all the treats, food, pets, and else everything they want till they fall asleep again. 1 Corinthians 1:10 reads, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” My brain wants to interpret this verse as peace comes at all costs. However, Christians are never supposed to compromise their obedience to God and His teachings for the sake of physical peace in this life. Especially because everlasting peace can only be achieved through Him.
The Bible teaches us multiple strategies for conflict resolution to achieve unity. Matthew 18:15-17 Jesus said, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Confronting others about conflict is one of the hardest things we will face in this life. It is not easy to admit your own wrongdoing or to pour out your heart to others about how we have been hurt. That is why it can help to have others around to help us have courage to talk things through. Sometimes the resolution of the situation even leads to an end of the relationship with that person. However, Jesus’ words teach us that working toward forgiveness in our own hearts is just as important. (Col. 3:13)
Jesus also says to the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:13-14, “And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.” In context, the verses are talking about evangelism, but the application still stands for conflict resolution. Sometimes we will face people who are very hurt and obstinate to resolve or reach a conclusion to the issue. This may be when time apart is necessary so that we can try again at a later date.
When resolving conflict in the present or future, the most important part is remembering our reason for doing it: Jesus. The apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 4:1-5, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Whether the conflict gets resolved in a public or private matter, all conflicts should be handled on a case by case basis because every situation is different and we need to make sure we are doing our best to glorify God through it. 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 reads, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
