If you’ve been reading my blog for the past couple of weeks, you’ve probably picked up on the stress I’ve been under. I am not interested in airing the details but let’s just say that it has to do with a conflict that I didn’t know how to resolve.

In the past days, some wise colleagues have pointed myself, and others involved in the conflict, to the Bible. Specifically to the Matthew 18 verses on how Christians are to resolve conflict. Basically – Jesus says – we are called to talk to each other face-to-face. If we are not able to resolve it ourselves, we are called to invite others into the conversation (not yelling match, mind you, but respectful conversation). And then, if necessary, we are to invite the church – the body of believers – to help discern how to resolve it.

The scriptures tell us how we are meant to deal with each other. We are called to be generous in our dealings with each other. We are called to remember that we are all children of God. Each of us bears the image of the Almighty and each of us is one that Christ found worthy of his sacrifice.

We are called to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. None of this is easy, but it IS the way of love. And when we have the courage to do what the Bible calls us to do – we find that there really is something to it. God’s way really IS the best way.

I would appreciate your prayers. Pray that I will have the grace to do what the Bible would have me do. Pray that others in my community of faith would have the same. Pray that this way of love would reach out into the community that surrounds us and mend the brokenness in our world.