Nehemiah 5:1-19
Conflict resolution is important to the body of Christ. It is important to work through the knots of interpersonal relationships in the church without just cutting them off.
I. There is a time to back off. (v. 7)
Sometimes the best thing we can do in conflict resolution is back off and give serious thought to the matter.
II. There is a time to stand up. (vv. 5-7)
Conflict resolution does not mean giving in at all costs. Jesus pronounced a blessing on the peace “makers” not the peace “lovers.” There are times when we have to “make peace.”
III. There is a time to give in. (vv. 10-11)
Those who resolve conflicts understand that there are times when we can lose a few little skirmishes in order to win the bigger war.
IV. There is a time to reach out. (vv. 10-13)
There is a time to build consensus by building bridges to the people.
Jesus is the ultimate conflict resolver. He backed off (see him in Gethsemane). He stood up (see him before Pilate). He gave in (see him on the way to the cross; no one took his life from him; he laid it down). And, he reached out (see him on the cross with arms outstretched bidding all to come to Him.)