Archive for the 'Bible Studies for Life' Category
How ready are we to resolve conflict?
Conflict seems inevitable in this life doesn’t it? Whether between parents and kids, siblings, pastors and deacons, co-workers or people arguing on social media, conflict is just a click or thoughtless response away.
With as many conflicts as we endure along the way one might come to think people really are not that concerned with it. One might think people are content to live with fractured relationships and just move on. That would not be the case.
A Willingness to Take Responsibility
A recent survey conducted by LifeWay Research and Bible Studies for Life found that 85 percent of Americans surveyed either strongly agree or agree that “they are prepared to resolve conflict between them and others.”
This is astounding! Clearly people do not want to live in conflict and want it resolved. Eighty-five percent of people not only do not want conflict to continue between family members, friends, and co-workers, but they are willing to take responsibility to resolve it.
One of the strengths of small groups in the family of faith is the emphasis on oneness. The psalmist wrote, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers can live together!” (Psalm 133:1, HCSB). That harmony is commended by God and should encourage us to encourage others to reconciliation.
So, what can God’s people do to facilitate reconciliation between conflicted parties?
Facilitating Forgiveness and Reconciliation
We can learn, practice, and teach what the Scripture says about forgiveness. When we have practiced forgiveness we can be conduits of reconciliation for others. When we bear grudges our ability to lead others down the path of forgiveness is hindered.
We can encourage and prepare those who are willing to resolve the conflict to take the next step. Often good intentions do not get to the point of action. It is very easy to say it, but another thing entirely to follow through. Because unresolved conflict is so damaging, we as believers should be catalysts in helping others. Does it need to be a phone call? What about an appointment at a coffee shop? Is a third-party needed?
Living as Peacemakers
Jesus said, “The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Paul “urged” the Ephesian believers to be “diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.” When we facilitate reconciliation we bear witness to the call to be peacemakers. This, in turn, bears witness to the truth of the Gospel.
I am thankful Bible Studies for Life has been designed in such a way that resolving conflict is a natural by-product of the study. Because of its emphasis on relationships, we are led to seek the quality of fellowship and relationship with others that God intends for His people. The appeal of this kind of life should not be lost on us. Amidst that vast majority who are willing to take the first step in conflict resolution is a number of others who will realize God has already taken the first step toward them.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church Northwest Arkansas General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Dealing with the pressures Americans face most
Followers of Jesus have long been encouraged that we do not mourn like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Unimaginable comfort has been given in times of mourning from this simple assurance: because of Jesus there is eternal life and the hope of a future reunion.
It seems, though, we do not always think of that simple assurance of His presence when facing daily trials. If the hope of peace comes only when traversing the valley of the shadow of death, our journey will be long and difficult.
Thankfully, through Christ we are promised peace in the journey. Jesus, for instance, promised a peace like no other. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not like the world gives.” The peace Jesus offers is not merely the absence of conflict or war. It is God’s all invasive presence bringing a peace that passes our ability to comprehend it.
The Apostle Paul tied peace to the absence of worry. “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 HCSB).
It is this peace and assurance of which we can testify to those who do not know it. We live in a world racked with pressures. From our ongoing economic hardships to family squabbles to aging, each day seems to bring its own unique set of challenges.
LifeWay Research and Bible Studies for Life found a large number of “significant sources of pressure” for people across America. Experiencing bias or prejudice, thinking about life after death, and confronting temptation are sources of pressure for at least 10% of Americans. More than 20% of people cite facing criticism, spending beyond their means, and relating to family and friends. Lacking money for basic needs and dealing with conflict each bring significant pressure for more than one-third of Americans surveyed. Less than one-fifth of respondents indicated “none of these.”
On a practical level this means almost everyone we know faces significant pressure in some area or another. We know these are significant enough to lead to marital breakup, depression, and even suicide.
As followers of Christ it is both our duty and our joy to bring the Gospel of peace to people who are crumbling under the weight of life. What better way to do this than bring them to a small group of people who are learning how to apply the Bible to life?
As General Editor of Bible Studies for Life, I was fortunate to be a part of the advisory council of church leaders that framed this new curriculum. We explored how this Bible study could provide for the spiritual needs of today’s men, women, boys and girls – including how to face the inevitable pressures that arise throughout life.
When we apply the Bible to our lives, through a source like Bible Studies for Life, what results is the Holy Spirit changing our attitudes and behaviors. Think now about who you can ask then make contact.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church Northwest Arkansas General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.