Show grace under fire

Here are three important principles to keep in mind when conflict arises:

(1) Deal with the issue without attacking the person. Many vicious personal attacks have created lifelong division. What a shame! Some of us would rather lose the relationship than lose the argument. (2) Sometimes it's best to go separate ways. When Paul and Barnabas argued over whether or not John Mark should travel with them on their next missionary journey, 'their disagreement was so sharp that they separated' (Acts 15:39 NLT). But, actually, that split resulted in the birth of two different ministries. So, stay gracious in conflict. What's happening right now may be God's way of moving us into new service and blessing. (3) Remember that 'iron sharpens iron' (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV). Others' opinions and personalities are meant to challenge us and help us to mature. Let's learn from our conflicts.

An old Quaker bought a grumpy cow. Every milking session became a battle of wills. Determined to demonstrate grace under fire, the old man refused to react when Bessie stomped her foot, whipped him in the face with her tail and knocked over the milk bucket. Finally, she kicked him against the barn wall, and that did it! Glowering, he growled, 'Thou knowest I am a Quaker and cannot strike thee back - but I can surely sell thee to a Presbyterian!' When we are the injured party, we need to draw on this promise: 'He gives more grace' (James 4:6 NKJV).



So what now? Ask God to help you show grace under fire. It's the Jesus way.





— SCRIPTURE —

'He gives more grace.' James 4:6 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Ki 5:1-27, Matt 6:19-34, Acts 5:1-11