How do my sins affect others?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 4 - Confess to the Other Person, Question 6, p. 57
For context you may wish to review our previous blog posts below.
In moments of heightened emotion and conflict, it is often challenging to maintain a Christ-like demeanor. When James found himself in a heated argument with his mother, the natural human response was to retaliate and defend himself. However, as a child of God, it's crucial to respond in a manner that reflects our faith and values - even when we blow it.
First and foremost, James should remember the teaching of Ephesians 4:26, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,". Anger is a natural emotion, but it becomes problematic when it leads us to sin. In this situation, James could have taken a moment to breathe and seek God's guidance in prayer before responding. By doing so, he might have found the strength to address the issue calmly and respectfully.
Moreover, Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." James should have refrained from using hurtful language and instead communicated his feelings in a constructive manner. He could have explained how his mother's tardiness affected him without resorting to name-calling or shouting.
When recognizing his own sin in the confrontation, James should confess and seek forgiveness from his mother, as 1 John 1:9 encourages, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.". A sincere confession can mend relationships and demonstrate humility and maturity.
In our daily struggle with sin, we can always remember the gospel promise found in Ephesians 4:32, which says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.". This verse reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and compassion. By extending grace to his mother and seeking her forgiveness through confession, James can strengthen their bond and reflect the love of Christ.
We can all remember to approach our conflicts with patience, humility, and a heart aligned with God's teachings. By doing so, he can navigate difficult situations in a way that honors both his faith and his relationships. But similarly, when we really blow it, we have the opportunity to confess our sin and receive that blessed assurance of forgiveness.
Note: In case you're curious, we'll address mom's response in a couple of blog posts.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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