#resolvingdisputes

“Counseling through the Word” Devotional: Resolving Disputes God’s Way

In today's devotional, we delve into 1 Corinthians 6:1–11 and explore how believers are called to resolve disputes God's way. Paul challenges us to prioritize unity and reconciliation over personal rights and justice. Join us as we learn how to handle conflicts within the church, reflecting the grace and forgiveness we have received in Christ.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1–11

“When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Devotional Thought

In the body of Christ, how we handle disputes speaks volumes about our faith and witness to the world. Paul, in addressing the Corinthian church, was deeply concerned about believers taking their grievances to secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. He saw this as a failure of the church to live out its calling and a potential stumbling block to the testimony of the Gospel. Know who you are and your future Paul reminds the Corinthians of their identity and future role in God’s kingdom. As believers, we will one day judge the world and even angels. Given this lofty calling, we should be more than capable of resolving disputes among ourselves. Bringing our disagreements before unbelievers, Paul argues, is a shameful act that undermines our witness and brings disgrace upon the church. Prioritize unity and peace This passage challenges us to prioritize unity and peace within the body of Christ. Instead of insisting on our rights or pursuing justice through worldly means, Paul encourages us to be willing to suffer wrong rather than harm our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a radical call to humility and self-sacrifice, rooted in the example of Christ Himself. The key to resolving disputes God’s way is to approach them with a heart of love, seeking reconciliation rather than victory. When we focus on restoring relationships rather than winning arguments, we reflect the grace and forgiveness that Christ has shown us. This doesn’t mean that sin and wrongdoing should be ignored or excused, but rather that our approach to conflict should be marked by a desire to restore and heal. You have been washed, sanctified, and justified Paul also warns against the dangers of behaving like the unrighteous, who will not inherit the kingdom of God. The behaviors he lists are not just sinful; they are indicative of a life that is out of step with the Spirit. As those who have been washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ, our lives should be marked by a distinct difference from the world, including how we handle disputes. As believers, we have been given the tools—God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and the community of faith—to resolve conflicts in a way that honors God. By doing so, we not only preserve the unity of the church but also bear witness to the transforming power of the Gospel.

Bringing it Home: Applying What We Learned

- Reflect on how you approach disputes and conflicts. Are you more focused on being right or on being reconciled? - Consider the ways in which you can seek to resolve conflicts within the body of Christ, using the resources God has provided. - Pray for the humility and grace to be willing to suffer wrong rather than harm the unity of the church.

Prayer

Lord, help me to approach conflicts with a heart of humility and a desire for reconciliation. Give me the wisdom to resolve disputes in a way that honors You and preserves the unity of Your church. May my actions reflect the grace and forgiveness that I have received in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Questions for Reflection

- How do I typically handle conflicts within the church? - Am I more concerned with winning an argument or restoring a relationship? - What steps can I take to ensure that my approach to disputes reflects the grace and forgiveness of Christ?

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