How does a person’s sin harm relationships?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 6, Restore with Gentleness, Question 2, p. 87
Unresolved conflict among Christians presents a significant challenge to the health and unity of the church. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:10-11, "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers." These quarrels create divisions that weaken the church’s collective witness to the world and hinder the effectiveness of its mission.
Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 highlights how spiritual immaturity fosters such conflicts: "But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, 'I follow Paul,' and another, 'I follow Apollos,' are you not being merely human?" This immaturity manifests as jealousy and strife, leading to factions that divert focus from Christ’s teachings and purpose.
Galatians 5:13-15 further warns of the dangers of conflict: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." Here, Paul emphasizes that the misuse of freedom and the absence of love can lead to destructive behavior, consuming the very fabric of the church community.
In Philippians 4:2-3, Paul specifically addresses a conflict between two individuals: "I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." This admonition underscores the importance of reconciliation and mutual support within the church to maintain its unity and purpose.
Despite these challenges, the gospel offers comfort and hope. Romans 5:1-2 reassures us: "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." This peace with God through Christ empowers believers to seek reconciliation and unity, reflecting the love and grace they have received.
Unresolved conflict harms the church by disrupting unity and weakening its witness. However, the gospel of Christ provides the foundation for peace and reconciliation, calling believers to reflect His love and grace in their relationships within the church.
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