As a pastor’s wife, you’ve likely had an experience or two with conflict. We all have! You’ve probably been going about your life, ministering to your families, communities, and God’s people with love, vision, and the truth of God’s Word. Then suddenly, conflict seems to find its way to your doorstep. You may look at conflict as a distraction from ministry that you do not want to deal with, but the Apostle Paul encourages us to resolve conflict for the sake of ministry.
Ephesians 4:25-32 Encourages Us to Resolve Conflict for These 3 Reasons:
First, it’s important to resolve conflict because we are members of one body through Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:25 and Rom. 12:5). When conflict occurs, remember that it’s happening amongst people with are connected as vital organs in the same body. We need all the parts of the body to operate properly to function well in this world. God cares a lot about unity. That’s why He calls us to oneness with Him through Jesus and oneness with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Unresolved conflict leads to brokenness within the body, so it must be addressed. within the body gives the enemy a foothold to plant seeds of destruction. It also takes our focus off our mission to love and serve others.
Second, it’s important to resolve conflict so that we do not give the enemy a foothold to plant seeds of destruction within the body (Eph. 4:27). Jesus warned us that the devil is out to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). When we let conflict fester within our ministry, it will soon lead to resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, infighting, slander, malice, and other unsightly results. It also takes our focus off our mission to love and serve others.
Third, it’s important to resolve conflict because disunity in the body of believers is displeasing to God (Eph. 4:30). We sadden God when we walk according to our flesh. As church leaders, you are ambassadors of God’s Kingdom. People are looking up to you. In every way and at every opportunity, we want to represent the grace and character of God to those you serve.
Thankfully, the Lord did not leave us alone to walk through conflict. You can rely on the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit you need to restore unity in challenging situations. He has an overflowing abundance of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
Is there a challenging situation in your life that needs attention? Pray and ask for the Lord to speak to everyone involved. Then, ask the Lord to lovingly reveal any selfish motives, desires, or issues in the hearts of those involved. Also, ask the Lord to reveal a path towards reconciliation.
