Anderson Hills

Many of us dislike confrontation and conflict, but we often find it unavoidable. Sometimes a conflict may result in separation. How we part ways with others in a relationship, a business agreement, or even a church, matters and also shows our true character. In the Book of Acts we read about a situation between Paul and Barnabas that resulted in separation, a separation that led to an opportunity for the Gospel message to spread even further. Handling disagreements in a way that unites our faith and mission is critical to kingdom growth.

Many of us dislike confrontation and conflict, but we often find it unavoidable. Sometimes a conflict may result in separation. How we part ways with others in a relationship, a business agreement, or even a church, matters and also shows our true character. In the Book of Acts we read about a situation between Paul and Barnabas that resulted in separation, a separation that led to an opportunity for the Gospel message to spread even further. Handling disagreements in a way that unites our faith and mission is critical to kingdom growth.

Loyalty is a key component of unity and it’s difficult to achieve without sacrificing one’s own preferences and desires. It requires putting aside selfishness, greed, and ambition, and instead focusing on a greater purpose. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz portrays love and loyalty at its best. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi caused her to cast aside all concern for her future and security, and to even break the bonds of community and religion. Ruth vowed that only death would separate her from Naomi. God’s Word promises that nothing can separate us from His love that is in Christ.

Loyalty is a key component of unity and it’s difficult to achieve without sacrificing one’s own preferences and desires. It requires putting aside selfishness, greed, and ambition, and instead focusing on a greater purpose. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz portrays love and loyalty at its best. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi caused her to cast aside all concern for her future and security, and to even break the bonds of community and religion. Ruth vowed that only death would separate her from Naomi. God’s Word promises that nothing can separate us from His love that is in Christ.

How we respond to others when we feel we have been wronged reveals our heart condition. Some common responses include expressing anger, seeking retaliation and holding grudges. While understandable, these are not the behaviors Jesus would encourage. He spoke of and modeled the importance of being peacemakers and peacekeepers. King David once found himself in a tense situation involving Nabal, a selfish, foolish man who made the mistake of offending the king. God used Nabal’s wife, Abigail, to prevent David from taking justice into his own hands. If we will let Him, God will help us in difficult situations so that the result is peace, not division.

How we respond to others when we feel we have been wronged reveals our heart condition. Some common responses include expressing anger, seeking retaliation and holding grudges. While understandable, these are not the behaviors Jesus would encourage. He spoke of and modeled the importance of being peacemakers and peacekeepers. King David once found himself in a tense situation involving Nabal, a selfish, foolish man who made the mistake of offending the king. God used Nabal’s wife, Abigail, to prevent David from taking justice into his own hands. If we will let Him, God will help us in difficult situations so that the result is peace, not division.

Forgiveness may be the hardest thing many of us do in our lifetimes, but because none of us is without sin, forgiveness is essential if we want to love and be loved in this life. Unforgiveness is one of the deadliest forces in the world; it causes much pain and suffering and creates division. Forgiveness is even more powerful—not just as a response to the cross, a witness to the world, and a means of unity. Forgiveness is also an act of spiritual warfare. The enemy wants us to believe the lie that “we can’t possibly forgive so and so” because forgiveness destroys his agenda. Jesus’ ministry to the world is based on forgiveness, and we are to honor and model His life!

Forgiveness may be the hardest thing many of us do in our lifetimes, but because none of us is without sin, forgiveness is essential if we want to love and be loved in this life. Unforgiveness is one of the deadliest forces in the world; it causes much pain and suffering and creates division. Forgiveness is even more powerful—not just as a response to the cross, a witness to the world, and a means of unity. Forgiveness is also an act of spiritual warfare. The enemy wants us to believe the lie that “we can’t possibly forgive so and so” because forgiveness destroys his agenda. Jesus’ ministry to the world is based on forgiveness, and we are to honor and model His life!

Pastor Jon Ferguson

Pastor Jonathan Kollmann