The test of spiritual maturity is how people deal with conflicts. Sooner or later, we will all face conflicts. But conflicts can be a blessing – our character is being developed, and we learn to be more understanding towards one another. We can even GLORIFY GOD IN CONFLICTS.

How does man usually deal with conflicts? Deny, fight, go to court, and use social media – these are wrong ways. the Bible tells us the right way. In Mark 11:25, for example, we are encouraged to decide to forgive. If we have problems with somebody and then we go pray, choose to forgive that person. It is unilateral on the part of the one forgiving – even if forgiveness was not asked. You release the poison in your system. An evidence of true Christianity is the ability to forgive. If you are a Christian, you have the ability to forgive. Is there anyone who has hurt you? As God has forgiven you, forgive the person. If somebody has something against you – what must we do according to Jesus (Matthew 5:23-24)? Worship is important, but real worship also involves doing your best to resolve conflicts. Romans 12:18-19 says that if it possible, we choose to be at peace with all persons. Sometimes they wouldn’t want to see you, and you have to keep praying and entrusting this to the Lord. Never think of taking your own revenge and leave room for God to move!

A rested Christian life requires us to do our best, if possible, to resolve conflicts. It is not our job to even out what’s wrong, or to correct everything wrong in the world. That’s God’s part. But you must do what’s within your power to achieve this as you…

Paul reminds the church essential things, asking “do you not know?” (1 Corinthians 6:1-2), repeated 5 times in chapter 6. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are saints (set apart, Gk. Hagios), dedicated to Jesus. The reason why we are set apart is because Jesus died for all our sins, we are forgiven by Christ, and set apart for God. Thus, we need to practice holiness. 1 Corinthians 6:3-4 also tells us of a great reality – that we are to judge angels in the future! The amazing legacy of God’s people is that we are going to rule with the King of kings and Lord of lords. If we know who we are as Christians, why would we raise our conflicts to worldly courts or mediators? We know that we are saints, children of God, and therefore princes and princesses to reign in the future as prophesied (Daniel 7:9,13-14,18,27). This glorious truth is repeated in the New Testament (Revelation 2:26, 5:9-10, 22:5, Luke 19:17). The kingdoms of this world fall and fade away. Only one kingdom will last forever – the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Salvation is free, but rewards require us to do our part. The question is – are we living like saints, set apart for God? Remember, our life on earth is the testing ground for our reign in the future kingdom! If you know what you have, you will stop fighting one another!

1 Corinthians 6:5-6 has Paul expressing how shameful the situation was – it brings shame to Jesus and to God if Christians fight among each other. Paul reminded them that in whatever they do, they must accomplish these things for the GLORY of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)! The Jews for example will never go to court – they will go to the synagogue and solve the problems themselves. It’s a shame for us Christians if we fight other believers.

We all have perceived rights that we feel entitled to at times. The Bible however tells us to surrender and commit our rights to God. 1 Corinthians 6:7-8 emphasizes on this as Paul rebukes the Corinthians having lawsuits with one another. He suggested that they surrender their rights to prioritize reconciliation. When the opponents are not believers, or if the cases are for criminal acts, then these things should be raised to court. But for issues stemming out from conflict with other believers, we surrender our rights to God.

Jesus even instructed to give your coat away and go the extra mile. Genesis 13:2, 5-15 is the story of Abraham and Lot and the strife between their people. Surprisingly, the story describes how the Perrizites lived in the land – there were pagan people watching them! Abraham knew that fighting with Lot was not an option. Abraham’s faith was in the One who gives the ultimate blessing – and so he entrusts this to God. Genesis 19 reveals that Abraham and his family were spared when the land chosen by Lot was destroyed (as part of Sodom and Gomorah). As Christians, we carry an identity that forces us to behave well in the eyes of other people who have yet to know Christ – let us show them we trust a sovereign God!

1 Corinthians 6:8-9 has Paul mentioning a list of sins in the midst of the topic of conflict resolution. The Corinthians were doing wrong (Gk. adikeo) things or unrighteous (Gk. adikos) things. Remember – how we live today is the evidence before God that we are followers of Jesus. Salvation is a free gift, but grace will and should change a person – transformed by the Lord! The Corinthians practiced wrong things and were reminded that they were “washed, sanctified, and justified” in the name of Jesus by the grace of God (v.11)! Titus 2:11-12 reminds us that this grace brings salvation, but also instructs us to live a transformed life –to live righteously and deny all ungodliness. This grace also empowers us to resolve every conflict that we will face. Thanks be to God for His amazing grace!