S.O.S.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-9

I had only been at church for a few months (many many years ago in a church far far away) before I witnessed a sadly classic church disagreement. A young family left the church because of something said. It was an unhelpful comment they were upset about. But also not something you should leave a church family over.

There is a reality that is common to all families, relationships and naturally churches. It is the human condition of sin that leads to foolishness, unhelpful words, harmful actions, unthoughtfulness, weakness and all manner of other issues.

But the Apostle Peter gives us wise words that, if followed, offer a genuine hope to repairing, maintaining and preventing relational breakdown in church. So let’s reflect on these words as we consider the hurts we may have received or caused. Remembering that it was Christ who did not repay us as we deserved, instead responding to our sin with blessing.

For Today:

• Have you experienced relational conflict in church?
• How have you dealt with a church conflict?
• Is there a current situation this brings to mind? What does it look like to follow God’s word?

Pray:

• Praise the God who is always perfectly united in Father, Son & Spirit. 
• Give thanks for Jesus Christ who offered us peace instead of conflict. 
• Ask God to help us at Village Church (or your church) to build a culture like that described in 1 Peter 3.