Avoid conflict. In today's polarized world, that almost means don't talk to anybody about anything of importance. Avoidance doesn't address an issue; that really gets God ticked off as Jeremiah notes. Jesus reminds us that conflict is to be expected from his good news - 'not peace, but a sword,' he says in Matthew 10. How do you deal with conflict ... or not?
Avoiding conflict is dysfunctional. You can never get anywhere unless you actually engage in the conflict. Of course, you need to do so with an objective of finding common ground, and seeking to build a future that is better than the current state of things. To let a problem continue guarantees it will persist and even worsen. That can lead to despair, and desperation to self-destructive consequences.
Jeremiah 6:10 begins by expressing his fury that no one will listen to him. God agrees with him, calling on him to "pour it out!" - meaning the wrath that God's people deserve for refusing to deal with the problems that surround them, that impact God's "little people" specifically and harshly.
God urges God's people to stand at the crossroads together and discern God's good way that leads to their promise, their best future. But they won't listen to anything.
Jesus wants to dissuade anyone from thinking that he is just a man of nice words, intriguing parables, wonderful healings, and a prophet of love and forgiveness. He knows that his gospel of good news isn't good news for everyone. For those who oppose him and his message, believers should expect conflict, even violence. That's no surprise - see what happened to his mentor John the Baptist.
Jesus' mention of bringing 'not peace, but a sword,' is symbolic speech - Jesus hasn't suddenly decided that violence is the answer to anything. The expression recognizes that conflict is coming and those who follow him need to be prepared to engage it. Jesus would even seem to insist that unless the repercussions from his gospel message are strong, you may be doing something wrong.
It is so problematic that even closest relations may be torn apart by the conflict. But Jesus insists that this sorts out our priorities. He wants us to realize that the promise of new life lies with him and with no other person or thing.
Get the whole story by viewing the sermon video below, noting the downloads below the video panel.
Avoiding conflict is dysfunctional. You can never get anywhere unless you actually engage in the conflict. Of course, you need to do so with an objective of finding common ground, and seeking to build a future that is better than the current state of things. To let a problem continue guarantees it will persist and even worsen. That can lead to despair, and desperation to self-destructive consequences.
Jeremiah 6:10 begins by expressing his fury that no one will listen to him. God agrees with him, calling on him to "pour it out!" - meaning the wrath that God's people deserve for refusing to deal with the problems that surround them, that impact God's "little people" specifically and harshly.
God urges God's people to stand at the crossroads together and discern God's good way that leads to their promise, their best future. But they won't listen to anything.
Jesus wants to dissuade anyone from thinking that he is just a man of nice words, intriguing parables, wonderful healings, and a prophet of love and forgiveness. He knows that his gospel of good news isn't good news for everyone. For those who oppose him and his message, believers should expect conflict, even violence. That's no surprise - see what happened to his mentor John the Baptist.
Jesus' mention of bringing 'not peace, but a sword,' is symbolic speech - Jesus hasn't suddenly decided that violence is the answer to anything. The expression recognizes that conflict is coming and those who follow him need to be prepared to engage it. Jesus would even seem to insist that unless the repercussions from his gospel message are strong, you may be doing something wrong.
It is so problematic that even closest relations may be torn apart by the conflict. But Jesus insists that this sorts out our priorities. He wants us to realize that the promise of new life lies with him and with no other person or thing.
Get the whole story by viewing the sermon video below, noting the downloads below the video panel.
| 10-15-17-ff-answers.pdf |
| 10-15-17-conflict_resolution.pdf |