Read Matthew 18:15-17

If you’ve worked with people for any amount of time, then you know that humans are messy and imperfect. Including you and me. Working with others is hard.

Leading others is even harder. 

Unfortunately, there will be times in our leadership when we have to confront conflict. Whether you love it or you love to run from it, as believers, we have a responsibility to lead through it. 

This doesn’t mean bulldozing over feelings for the sake of moving forward, demanding a desired response to push our own agenda or making a fast and hard decision to avoid the opinions of others. 

Leading through conflict requires us to see the problem, confront those involved in truth and grace, and to seek out a solution together. 

Let’s be honest though, this is all easier said than done. But we’re in luck. Jesus had something to say about conflict among believers and not just how to resolve it, but what it takes to lead through it. 

“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.”

Matthew 18:15-17 MSG

As you read this truth, think about your circles of people… 

Have you been hurt or have you hurt someone? Is there a conflict that you’ve been putting off, hoping it would just go away? Do you tend to be oblivious to the conflict moments for people around you? Are you willing to walk through these steps of resolution to reconcile the relationship? Is there someone who is a non-believer that needs to experience God’s forgiving love through your example? 

Today, even if it might not be obvious to you, ask Jesus to reveal who those individuals might be and ask Him for the strength, patience, and grace to lead through the conflict.

Becca Harbaugh