Read Philippians 4:1-3 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
In today’s Scripture, Paul addressed a conflict between two people. These women were fellow believers who worked together as leaders and influencers in the Philippian church. We don’t know the exact nature of their conflict, but we know it was big enough that word reached Paul in captivity hundreds of miles away. Paul knew that if their conflict wasn’t resolved, it would have ripple effects in their own hearts, as well as on the church and those far from God. He was calling them to reconciliation.
Just like the believers in the early church, if we have breath and a heartbeat, we will experience conflict. The key is how we handle it. Conflict is common. Reconciliation is required. No matter our default response when we face conflict, God would rather we be reconciled than right. Why? Because when we run toward reconciliation, we allow God to bring restoration, freedom, and joy. Let’s not allow conflict to simmer under the surface. Let’s go first in taking steps toward healing.
Run toward reconciliation. Think about a conflict you currently have with someone else. Review the conflict resolution steps below, and note what you need to do next to begin the process of reconciliation. If needed, schedule a time when you can walk through these steps with the other person.
1. Define the problem. How did you each contribute to it? Seek to understand before being understood.
2. Describe what’s not working. Where have you already tried and failed?
3. Discover new possibilities together. Brainstorm new solutions, then agree on one together.
4. Detail how each person contributes to the solution. Each person takes ownership, not just of the problem but of moving toward reconciliation.
5. Debrief later. Set a time in your calendar to evaluate and review how it’s working.
Respond
Use your Philippians Guidebook to reflect and respond. For a digital copy of the guidebook, visit tpcc.org/rebels-guide.
Want to go deeper? Look up the following verses to see what God has done to reconcile you to Him and what He calls you to do in response. Note what you observe and then continue with your time of response.
• 2 Corinthians 5:16-21