Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua Part 21-How to Resolve Conflicts

Have you ever misjudged someone? You thought they were your friend and they had been there to help you through the bad times; yet, something happens and suddenly you question their motives. You become frustrated and deep within your mind and heart is this bubbling unrest, fear, anger and a sense of betrayal. Or perhaps the Christian Media has denounced a Christian teacher/preacher that you admired and had studied under. What do you do? Do you join the crowd condemning them?

Artwork used by written permission of Ronald Barba click on image for more information.

How should we as Christians resolve conflict, particularly within the body of Christ? Too often we do behave much like the mafia when confronting other Christians. Philippians 2:” ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves….¹⁴ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”

As we read on in Joshua 22, there is a message to us on how to resolve conflict among the people of God.

Joshua 22: (NIV) “⁹ So the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in Canaan to return to Gilead, their own land, which they had acquired in accordance with the command of the Lord through Moses. ¹⁰ When they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. ¹¹ And when the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, ¹² the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.”

Their concern was that the altar was built to provide burnt offerings to worship “false gods”. All the sacrifices were to be given only at the altar specified by God, so they had legitimate concern when they heard that there was another altar built on the edge of the Jordan River that was a massive replica of their altar. Their zeal for purity before God was legitimate and we should be zealous; yet, we must have also grace. Fortunately, before they shot the first arrow; the high priest Phineas spoke to the two and ½ tribes that were being accused. He was harsh in his accusation, commanding them to remember the past judgments of God when the people had betrayed God; yet, in the midst he showed grace because he offered that they come across the Jordan and live amongst them so as to not fall to such a temptation as idol worship. As they had judged the motives so quickly and condemned the tribes; yet, they listened as the 2 and ½ tribes explained that they did not build the altar as a place to sacrifice. Indeed, they had built it so that all might see and remember that though divided by the Jordan, they were part of the Israeli nation. They had built the altar to be a memorial pointing toward the true altar of God. Once the tribe warriors and Phineas the priest had heard their explanation they were all once more harmonious in their worship of God.

Within this story are at least 6 important lessons to resolve conflict when we confront relationship issues within the body of Christ as well as when we hear of a brother that has strayed from the truth.

1. When you hear “something” be cautious about developing a judgment without seeking to find the truth first.

2. Always be quick with mercy and grace to be intermingled with direct words of admonition.

3. Be gentle; yet, be direct as to confronting the issue so that there is no misunderstanding as to what you think happened.

4. Listen with an open mind to the explanation by the one you have accused.

5. Even in those occasions when the confrontation is done by a group of elders, let there be one spokesperson. Choose carefully the one who is level headed, merciful, and calm. This is when you want to send someone with the gift of exhortation and not the one with the gift of leadership or prophecy as their spiritual gift.

6.  God is the only one who can judge the heart of each man, so we should with all that is within us seek to be at peace with all those around us.  If God Almighty loved me with His perfect love, then is there anyone unworthy of my frail love?

New International Version(NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Listen to this song:  Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace

© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba

Artwork is used with written permission of Ronald Barba who owns the copyright. His work can be found at: http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all

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