Working Out Conflict

I am so thankful that Jesus pursues us in peace and love. Jesus loved you enough to dwell among humanity and die for your sins. He loves you enough to be like the good shepherd who would leave 99 sheep to pursue the lost one sheep. Through Jesus, God is reconciling all of humanity to himself. Jesus invites us not only to know but practice this kind of active love and grace in our relationships.

               Jesus offers of model for this practice in Matthew 18:15-20. While many scholars would say that this passage outlines practice for excommunication in the early church, I think this passage is also a guide for navigating conflict. Instead of idly waiting for conflict to pass, Jesus invites us to pursue peace, forgiveness and relationships, much as Jesus does with us. While the guidance may not apply to every situation, it is a place to begin as we seek to live with more Christlike compassion.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

Rev. Sherri