WHEN DISPUTES ARE INEVITABLE : HOW TO HANDLE THEM .


 Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi

"While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers : “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question."Acts 15:1‭-‬2 NLT

 There is most likely to be ideological differences in families and organizations. This is as a result of difference in perspectives . We should be open to criticism because it gives us the opportunity to see things from all angles .There are however situations when a person or group of persons refuses to analyse issues critically towards arriving at the truth , to avoid errors being accepted as a way of life such persons should be confronted with the truth . This is one major reason for disputes that could result in disunity . 

   There are also light disagreements that should not be aloud to cause frictions in a family or group under such situations it is better we let them pass as long as the truth is not being compromised .An example is dietary laws and faith towards God and religious holidays (Rom 14:2,3,4,6) 

    We should be able to draw a line between serious issues and casual ones. This is when mature experienced persons are needed .The bible says   'Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself."Galatians 6:1 NLTBible  and " Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question." Acts 15:2  The unruly should be cautioned (1Thes 5:14) and in some cases disagreement should be settled at a personal level (Matt 18:15, Prov.25:9) leaving room for forgiveness (Luke17:4) 

    Disunity makes it difficult for people to work together (Amos3:3) results in sectarianism and man-worship (1Cor.3:3,4) It destroys God's work (Matt12:25) and opens doors for demonic attacks ( James3:16) . God hates disunity and because of this the Bible recommends excommunication (separation from the congregation ) for the unrepentantly guilty .Bible says " Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear."Proverbs 22:10 NLT and " If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. " Titus 3:10 NLTBible (for more see 2John10:11, 2Thess3:6,1Cor.5:11-13, Rom16:17) Refusal to separate from a heretic could result in prayers not being answered or disaster . They should not be treated as enemies (2 Thes3:14,15) . 

   This was how the early church contained incidences of corrupt practices in the society . The church grew organically as a result of the strong institutional framework for social order. Unfortunately, this has been compromised in most underdeveloped countries by a compromised church leadership . We should always pray for the restoration of divine order in the church while keeping the door for reconciliation open for the repentant ( Gal.6:1, James 5:19-20, 2Tim 2:25-26) 

   Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to maintain law and order in Jesus name 
+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajay@gmail.com

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