Q and A with Pastor J.

How you deal with conflict is as important as how you handle peace. The Bible gives us help to apply in our relationships to resolve conflict.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19 The Apostle Paul clearly teaches us that we are to live in unity in the Church and at peace with our World. This can only happen when we choose to live like Jesus.

A) Resolve conflict by putting other people first – Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 B) Resolve conflict by considering others as important as you.

C) Focus on Christ and not the conflict. Paul spoke clearly about how we should work to rewire our attitudes and be in the likeness of Jesus. He understood that much of our conflict is created out of a proud, conceited heart. If we allow God to change us and make us more like Him then our prideful heart becomes a servant’s heart.

Most of what I am sharing with you is about reducing conflict. However, some conflict is necessary. There are times that we need to stand up and shout. We need to hold people and organizations accountable. We should not back down from what we believe, but work hard to reduce the unneeded conflict that arises in our lives.

We would love to meet you! I think you will find something special in our fellowship. Here you can find a place to grow close to God. First Baptist Church is located at the corner of 4th and Foley. Morning Bible Study begins at 8:45 a.m., with our Morning Worship Service at 10 a.m. Our Wednesday Night programs begin at 6 p.m. I would also invite you to visit our website at www.eufaulafbc.org.