Pursuing Relational Harmony

Every sinful division in the local church can be traced back to people who are elevating their desires above Christ’s kingdom. They simply want their own way. How can we guard our own church against this kind of sectarianism and division? Take care to form convictions based on truth rather than feelings, and resolve to believe the best about others so that you don’t take offense where none was given. If a potential conflict is brewing, don’t discount your own role in the matter, and remember that even if you were greatly wronged that this injustice is insignificant when compared to your manifold sins against God. Finally, when trying to solve a troubled relationship, don’t seek a superficial peace that hides the real issues. Instead, do the hard work of bringing truth to bear so that every heart involved can be enlightened and transformed. In short, repent when you are in the wrong, reconcile where there is separation, and pray for love and humility to reign where you have so foolishly allowed pride and hardness of heart to take root.