Dear Church,
Christians walking with unresolved conflicts is like someone walking with a 50-pound weight chained to his/her feet. Scripturally here are three dangerous effects of unsettled conflicts in our lives.
- It affects our relationship with God. The Bible says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar” (1 John 4:20 NLT). When you are out of harmony with a fellow believer, it is difficult to be in harmony with God. The Bible says, “Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”(Matthew 5:23-24 NIV)
- It affects our prayer life. The Bible says, “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).
- Finally unresolved conflicts in life steal our joy & peace. The Bible says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful”( Colossians 3:13-15 NIV)
To eliminate conflicts in life, a believer needs to address them intentionally. For this we need courage, this comes from God. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (NLT). Maybe today is the day we start to resolve issues we have been putting under the cover for long- for some it may be your marriage, it may be an issue with your kids or parents, with your employer or your boss, or whoever. Remember God has not given you a spirit of fear and timidity- but power, love, and self-discipline. Godly reconciliation only happens when these three are used.
Be Encouraged,
Mathews
