How To Deal With Church Disputes

"It's good to talk." We often say this if a matter needs to be discussed. But, sadly, there are times when people don't talk, they walk away from one another and leave the problems unsolved. Christians are no better than non-Christians when it comes to discussing problems. Far too many times, Christians just separate when they should have kept talking, reminding themselves that they are all under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

In the early days of the Church there was a big dispute about the place of both Jews and non-Jews in the Church of Jesus Christ. Different backgrounds, cultures and often nationalities caused tensions. In Acts 15 we read of a serious situation developing and we also see how it was dealt with. "The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider the matter." We read there was much debate — no doubt they all had their say. It took time, it took patience, it took Bible Study and I am sure it took much prayer. But they reached consensus after all the talk. It was good to talk and peace prevailed.

Just as this was the right thing for church leaders to do, so it is right for us as individuals to do as well, whether we have a disagreement at home or in the church. Remember we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Prayer

Dear Lord, please help me to be a peace-maker, not a disruptive person. Amen.