Protecting Your Church
Romans 12:16, NIV; Acts 4:32, NCV
- It is so important that the New Testament gives more attention to the unity of the church than to either heaven or hell. God desires us to experience oneness and harmony with each other.
- Part of every member’s responsibility as a believer is to protect the unity of the church. (Ephesians 2:14, AMP)
Jesus gave his live that we could and should live in peace, unity and harmony.
(Romans 12:18, NLT)
Focus on what we share in common, not our differences. (Philippians 2:2, AMP)
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- WE must stay focused on God’s purpose for us and His church.
- Conflict is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important issues.
- Focus on the Great Commission & the Great Commandment = Great Church
Have Realistic Expectations (Ephesians 4:2-3, NLT)
- Believers are going to disappoint you and you are going to disappoint them.
- Don’t have unrealistic expectations.
Choose to Encourage Rather than Criticize (Romans 14:10, AMP)
(Matthew 7:1, AMP) (Hebrews 10:25)
- When we come to church, we should be looking for ways to encourage others.
- Refuse to Gossip and Refuse to listen to Gossip (Proverbs 11:23, CEV) (Proverbs 17:4, CEV) (Proverbs 26:21, CEV) (Proverbs 26:20, AMP)
- The fastest way to end church conflict is to love confronting the gossips and insist they stop.
- The second fastest way to stop gossip and conflict, is for no one to listen.
- Don’t associate with gossips! Don’t listen, don’t have anything to do with them!
(Proverbs 20:19, NRSV)
Practice God’s Method for Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15, NJKV)
(Matthew 18:15-17, MSG)
- During conflict, it’s human nature to complain to a third party, instead of going to the person.
- The problem is that’s not what the bible says.
- When we are not obedient to what the bible says, we then become the ones sinning, doing the hurting, and causing problems. (Matthew 18:15, NKJV)
- Support Your Pastors and Leaders (Hebrews 13:17, MSG) (Hebrews 13:17, NKJV)
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, NLT)
