Our Attitude: To Confrontation
Humans are imperfect creatures - we make mistakes. We are also individually unique. We all have different likes, dislikes, skills, and experiences. This makes for an interesting world that we live in. Throughout our living we can come upon interesting characters. We can be friends with those who are similar to us or even those who seem to be our exact opposite. Some people we agree with and others we do not.
Even among our brothers and sisters in Christ we may have differences of opinions. While we have a commonality and unity within Christ, we are still individual members of Christ’s body - we still have our own unique mindsets and may have differences of opinions that lead to confrontation. How should we behave in these situations?
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3:13
We should have a forgiving attitude. Many times confrontations come from misunderstandings. Two people may be saying the same thing, but hearing the words differently. As accidents occur, we remember that we are human - imperfect - and we make mistakes. We have wronged God and He is willing to forgive. Whatever someone else has done to us, does not compare to what we have done to God. So we ought to be considerate and willing to forgive others.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9
We ought to be peaceful people. When a dispute arises, let’s seek to end with a peaceful resolution. We should be calm and respectable in our replies and conduct.
Do all things without complaining and disputing,
Philippians 2:14
Our aim should be to act as a cohesive unit: getting along, loving on another, and working together. We should not be trying to cause disputes with constant complaining. Instead we ought to be respectful to one another, showing each other love and kindness and being peaceful and forgiving.
-- John Thrower Jr.