Bible, Faith, Church, Fight, conflict

Handling Conflict Well

Conflicts, disagreements, and tough decisions are simply a part of life. While the temptation is to avoid confrontations or react poorly, what if we could navigate these moments in a way that benefited our relationships and helped us deepen our faith at the same time? In this video, we explore two conflicts in the Bible that nearly tore a community apart. Instead, these stories reveal how people facing extreme differences found a way forward that ultimately strengthened their relationships and shared mission. From these stories, we’ll gain practical insights on handling conflicts with grace, seeking wise counsel, and growing through the challenges of life.

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MESSAGE NOTES

Unstoppable: God’s Plan For Multiplication

Handling Conflict Well

Introduction: The Reality of Conflict

“Picture this: You’re about to walk into a room where you know a difficult conversation is waiting. Your heart starts racing, your palms get sweaty, and suddenly, you’re considering every possible excuse to turn around and leave. Sound familiar?”

  • Conflict is often seen as something to avoid
  • What if conflict could lead to deeper relationships, personal growth, and spiritual transformation?

Two Major Conflicts in Acts 15

  1. A Theological Issue
  2. A Personal Issue

The Theological Conflict (Acts 15:1-21)

[Acts 15:1-2] “While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently.”

Key Points:

  1. The church addressed the conflict by seeking wise counsel
  2. They appealed to scripture to decide what they should do

“We interpret our experiences through the scripture rather than the scripture through our experiences.”

Three Types of Old Testament Law

  1. Civic Law
  2. Ceremonial Law
  3. Moral Law

“Our gratitude to the Lord for our salvation is the motivation for UNITY and our obedience to the Law of Christ and to obedience to the moral law.”

The Personal Conflict (Acts 15:36-40)

[Acts 15:37-38] “Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work.”

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s okay to part ways as long as it’s amiable
  • Don’t build coalitions against each other
  • Leave room for grace and potential reconciliation

“Even when we KNOW we’re right, we need to leave room for the POSSIBILITY we MIGHT be wrong – Leave room for grace.”

Lessons from Handling Conflict

  1. Seek wise counsel (Ephesians 4:3, 26)
  2. Appeal to scripture for guidance
  3. Maintain unity while respecting differences
  4. Allow for personal growth and change

“We all need ‘A Barnabas’ in our life. We all need to be more like Barnabas in our relationships.”

Application

  1. Identify your “wisdom table” of godly, seasoned Christians
  2. Examine areas where you’re disregarding clear scriptural boundaries
  3. Rest in God’s grace if you’ve failed Him
  4. Reflect on relationships where you’re at odds and how you’ve handled them
  5. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting for changes in your life regarding conflict

Conclusion

“Conflict doesn’t have to be comfortable to be valuable. In fact, it’s often in our discomfort that we grow the most.”

Challenge: Embrace the next conflict as an opportunity for growth and positive change.

“Instead of saying, ‘I hate conflict,’ try saying, ‘I’m ready to engage in this conflict in a way that honors God and values others.'”

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Application Questions

  1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
  2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
  3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
  4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?

Conflicts, disagreements, and tough decisions are simply a part of life. While the temptation is to avoid confrontations or react poorly, what if we could navigate these moments in a way that benefited our relationships and helped us deepen our faith at the same time? In this video, we explore two conflicts in the Bible that nearly tore a community apart. Instead, these stories reveal how people facing extreme differences found a way forward that ultimately strengthened their relationships and shared mission. From these stories, we’ll gain practical insights on handling conflicts with grace, seeking wise counsel, and growing through the challenges of life.

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