Since time eternal, missionaries have had trouble getting along. Paul and Barnabas had it out in Acts 15:39. Paul and Peter fight in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14). Our good friend, Ron Koteskey, analyzed why we seemingly keep experiencing these conflicts at…
www.missionarycare.com/conflict.html
He encourages (with biblical backing) to approach the person alone. If this doesn’t work, he suggests we bring a witness or two. If this won’t work, he concludes the only way forward is to take it to the church. Ron suggests that, once the church makes a decision, if either party refuses to abide by the decision, then the church should treat that party as being “outside the church.” (See the biblical backdrop for Ron’s conclusions in Matthew 18:15-19.) Ron’s additional comments and suggestions all seem helpful. But, still we are left with questions. Why does conflict happen? We’re all trying to walk in Christ’s steps. We’re all praying. We’re all reading the same Book. Why can’t we all just get along?
If you have a magic solution… if you can help explain this… please click “comment” after this item on the web. We’d love to hear your take.
A solution is found in a book titled “The Path to Reconciliation” by Neal T Anderson. There is a companion book for churches and organizations by the same author called “Setting Your Church Free.”
Yes, an age-old issue. It is interesting that as Paul begins talking about our response to God’s mercy in Romans 12, he starts with us giving our entire being back to Him. V 2: Don’t use the world’s methods. V 3: Have a sane estimate of your capabilities. V 4-8: Ways to serve the Lord. THEN, the first issue to deal with: Getting along with people! In verses 9-21, he gives TWENTY-FIVE solutions to interpersonal relationships! ~~~NEAL