Internal and external
"We have peace with God" - Romans 5:1,10
To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God - James 4:4
"carnal mind" is in enmity with God - Romans 8:6,7 (thus "Be transformed by the
renewing of your mind" - Romans 12:1,2)
"I have called you friends" - John 15:14,15
(Abraham - James 2:23)
"The Peace of God" and "The God of Peace" - Philippians 4:7-9
Peace In human relations
"Blessed are the peace makers" Matthew 5:9, "for they will be called sons of God."
"Thou settest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." Psalm 23
Romans 12:19-21 from Proverbs 25:21,22 "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to
eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on
his head, and the LORD will reward you."
Matthew 5:23-26
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother
has something against you,
leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then
come and offer your gift.
"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you
are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may
hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Peace within enables us to develop peace without, to have the ability to resolve conflicts
Recognizing that differences do not need to make enemies
"agree in the Lord" - Philippians 4:2
Steps to resolving conflicts with a Christian Brother or Sister
1. Affirm the importance of the person(s) involved, and their relationship with the church.
Pray for them, for God to bless them.
Matthew 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and
the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax
collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even
pagans do that?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
2. Make sure the reports you receive are accurate. Forgive them, understanding that you
must still speak with them about the matter.
3. As soon as possible, have a face to face conversation. If you are anxious about the
outcome of such a meeting, then either a Deacon or a Pastor should be invited to meet
with you.
Matthew 18:15-20
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.
If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or
two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony 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, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. "I tell you the
truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on
earth will be loosed in heaven. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about
anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or
three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Galatians 6:1-5
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this
way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one
should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself
to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
a. Begin with prayer.
b. In a peaceful tone of voice, explain what you think is the issue, problem - why it is that
you're upset. Focus on your own feelings about the situation, always be careful not to use
accusatory language.
"I was very upset when I learned that you have been talking about me to other
people."
c. Give the other person time to respond, all the while trying to understand what they have
to say.
"Do I understand that you only told ________ that I was having financial
difficulties?"
d. Clearly express what it is that you want. Ask yourself the question, "What needs to be
done about this?"
"I would appreciate it if you would not share with others concerning my personal
affairs."
e. Close with prayer, with each person participating.
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