October 30th, 2025
by Pastor Gary Moritz
by Pastor Gary Moritz
Ever Found Yourself in a Text Message Tangle?
We've all been there—receiving a text that leaves us puzzled, maybe even a bit hurt. You read it, reread it, and suddenly, your day is overshadowed by a knot in your stomach. What do you do next? Screenshot it, send it to friends, and ask, "Am I overreacting?" Before you know it, you're caught in a whirlwind of assumptions and avoidance. But what if there was a better way to handle conflict, one that builds relationships rather than burns them?
Jesus' Blueprint for Conflict Resolution
In our fast-paced world, we've mastered the art of either exploding in anger or disappearing into silence when faced with conflict. But Jesus offers us a different path, one that leads to reconciliation and spiritual growth. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus provides a clear, three-step process for resolving conflicts within the Christian community.
Why Reconciliation Matters
Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it can either strengthen or weaken our relationships. Jesus emphasizes that reconciliation should take precedence over worship. In Matthew 5:23-24, He tells us to first reconcile with our brother or sister before offering our gift at the altar. This highlights the importance of maintaining a pure relationship with God, which is reflected in our relationships with others.
Practical Steps to Embrace Conflict Like Jesus
To help you navigate conflicts, consider the PEACE method:
A Call to Action
As you reflect on this message, consider any unresolved conflicts in your life. Write down the name of the person you need to reconcile with, schedule a time to meet, and pray for the courage to approach the situation with love and grace. Remember, conflict is not something to fear but an opportunity for growth and deeper connection.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us a better way to handle conflict through Your Son, Jesus. Help us to lead like Him, embracing reconciliation and fostering spiritual growth in our relationships. Give us the courage to face conflicts head-on, with love and humility. May we always seek to restore and build, rather than retreat and destroy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We've all been there—receiving a text that leaves us puzzled, maybe even a bit hurt. You read it, reread it, and suddenly, your day is overshadowed by a knot in your stomach. What do you do next? Screenshot it, send it to friends, and ask, "Am I overreacting?" Before you know it, you're caught in a whirlwind of assumptions and avoidance. But what if there was a better way to handle conflict, one that builds relationships rather than burns them?
Jesus' Blueprint for Conflict Resolution
In our fast-paced world, we've mastered the art of either exploding in anger or disappearing into silence when faced with conflict. But Jesus offers us a different path, one that leads to reconciliation and spiritual growth. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus provides a clear, three-step process for resolving conflicts within the Christian community.
- Go Directly: Jesus instructs us to address the issue directly with the person involved. This means having the courage to speak up and express your feelings honestly. It's about choosing reconciliation over revenge, and understanding that the goal is to win back your brother or sister, not to win an argument.
- Speak the Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15 reminds us to speak the truth in love. This involves listening well and being open to understanding the other person's perspective. It's about attacking the problem, not the person, and ensuring that love guides our words and actions.
- Aim for Forgiveness: Ultimately, the goal is forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another just as God forgave us. True forgiveness means not bringing up the issue again, not discussing it with others, and not allowing it to hinder the relationship moving forward.
Why Reconciliation Matters
Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it can either strengthen or weaken our relationships. Jesus emphasizes that reconciliation should take precedence over worship. In Matthew 5:23-24, He tells us to first reconcile with our brother or sister before offering our gift at the altar. This highlights the importance of maintaining a pure relationship with God, which is reflected in our relationships with others.
Practical Steps to Embrace Conflict Like Jesus
To help you navigate conflicts, consider the PEACE method:
- Prepare Your Heart: Pray and, if necessary, fast before addressing the conflict. Approach the situation with humility and a readiness to listen.
- Empathize with Their Perspective: Be present in the conversation and genuinely try to understand the other person's point of view.
- Attack the Problem, Not the Person: Focus on resolving the issue, not on blaming the individual.
- Create a Win-Win Solution: Aim for a resolution that benefits both parties and strengthens the relationship.
- Establish Accountability: Set clear expectations for moving forward and ensure both parties are committed to maintaining peace.
A Call to Action
As you reflect on this message, consider any unresolved conflicts in your life. Write down the name of the person you need to reconcile with, schedule a time to meet, and pray for the courage to approach the situation with love and grace. Remember, conflict is not something to fear but an opportunity for growth and deeper connection.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us a better way to handle conflict through Your Son, Jesus. Help us to lead like Him, embracing reconciliation and fostering spiritual growth in our relationships. Give us the courage to face conflicts head-on, with love and humility. May we always seek to restore and build, rather than retreat and destroy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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