Fight In the Church!

The Mountain Audio

Our Verse: Col 3:13 “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This is a sad story about 2 good men- Adam and Will. Both served on church staff; both had public responsibilities. But there was a problem. There was a sense of mistrust between them, and probably a bit of envy. On a Sunday, in the middle of the service, the two men met at the back of the sanctuary. One made a rather pointed comment about the other. The second man didn't take it well. He made some pointed comments right back, loud enough that people in the sanctuary overheard. This led to a burning resentment between them; they barely spoke to one another in the following weeks. Both of them were mature Christians. Both of them knew the right thing to do. Neither one did it.
It took a long time, but finally they made peace. They didn't become friends, but they learned to live at peace with each another.
There's a good object lesson here for your 2018. Pride will often lead to conflict between fellow Christians and envy is often a component. Every follower of Jesus needs to be on guard against pride and envy. If we find ourselves wanting to be ahead or above another, or get their position, danger lies ahead. If you fall into the pride-envy trap, do your best to make peace with that other person. You may have to humble yourself before that person. You may not become lifelong pals, but you can make peace by not adding to the conflict.
We hope everything works out, but with humans, even Christians, it's not always possible. Here's the Apostle Paul in Romans, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 12:18* That disclaimer “as far as it depends on you,” says that we have the responsibility to be the peacemaker no matter what.
Let's constantly ask God's help to forgive. It's our job and He will help us do it! Forgiveness is a must for a happy 2018!
*Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. NLT
*If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. NIV