Conflict Resolution in the Church

In Matthew 18:15, Jesus says, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go, and tell him.” Unity and peace are critical to the church, as Satan’s strategy is divide and conquer. Our Lord Jesus Christ has outlined the way to maintain unity in the church in the face of sin. Loving, gentle, but clear confrontation according to Jesus’ detailed instructions, will bring blessings to all the parties involved.

  Dealing with sin honors God because sin offends God’s holiness. But it needs to be done with love, gentleness, and the spirit of meekness, and it must be soaked in prayer. The household of God is not a museum of perfect saints, so we can expect conflict. The church is like a construction zone where God, through his Word and Spirit, is perfecting his people. The goal is for the offending party to repent, confess their sin, and request forgiveness. Jesus commands us to forgive, but only when there is an expression of repentance. Forgiveness is one of the most demanding exercises of love.

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Rev. A.T. Vergunst is minister of the Gospel in the Reformed Congregation of Carterton, New Zealand.