What does my identity in Christ have to do with conflict?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 1 - Remember Whose You Are - Question 11, p. 15
Disputes are an inevitable part of human relationships, and they often leave us with a sense of betrayal and hurt, particularly when we’ve been wronged significantly. However, as believers, we are called to view such situations through the transformative lens of God's Word. The passage in 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 provides insight into how we should perceive those who have wronged us.
2 Corinthians 5:14-17 states: "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
This scripture reminds us that Christ’s sacrificial love is the foundation of our new life. Just as Christ died for all of us, irrespective of our wrongdoings, we too are called to extend this grace to others. His death and resurrection compel us to live not for ourselves but for Him, embodying His love and forgiveness in our actions.
When in dispute with someone who has wronged us, it is crucial to remember that we, too, are recipients of God’s boundless forgiveness. Reflect on your own journey and how God has graciously redeemed you from your past. This reflection encourages a shift in perspective—from seeing the offender through a worldly lens of judgment and resentment to seeing them as God does, as a new creation in Christ.
In our new life in Christ, we are empowered to let go of the old grievances and embrace the transformative power of forgiveness. By doing so, we not only honor God’s grace in our own lives but also pave the way for healing and reconciliation. Let the love of Christ compel you to forgive and view others as He views you—with unmerited grace and boundless love.
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