The Example of Christ Through Conflict

This was a post I got the privilege to write for 121 Community Church and this is an excerpt from that:

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:1-7

As Christians we are called to live in harmony with one another, be joined together with one voice to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed us and to please others, not ourselves, just as Christ did so. If this is the case, why can it be so hard to get along with others? Why do we still have conflicts?

These passages really stuck out to me lately in regards to what we can do in the midst of conflict, and to try to live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18). How can we do this or where can we find hope?

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

The Bible tells us that our instruction, is that through endurance and encouragement, we might have hope. One definition of endurance is “The capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.” Would we say this describes our ongoing reading and studying of the Scriptures to help lead us in the middle of whatever conflict we’re in? Most of us typically will try, and when we don’t get the answer or resolution we want, we give up or get offended and fight back. But that is not what the Bible is saying here.

Mike Mobley

Follower of Christ, Husband to Joelle, Father to Peyton & Matthew, Finance & Operations Pastor at 121 Community Church, SAG-AFTRA Actor, Founder of Before The Cross, Owner of MMWCS, and Podcast Host for the Not Quite There Show.

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