Last night at Church Pastor Tim spoke about gentleness in the mist of conflict and shared that although it may be hard it is something we should all strive for as we try to be more like Jesus.

Following our evening service, I had gone home to participate in a zoom call with my siblings to discuss the future care of my mother due to some major issues she was facing with her health. During the call we had to make some really tough decisions. We had hoped that after everyone had received all of the facts that we would end the call with agreement of how to proceed.

Unfortunately, the call lasted almost an hour because one sibling did not agree with the direction the rest of wanted to take and he spent most of the time, talking over the rest of us and making sure we knew that he disagreed with us.

We were all exhausted at the end of the call and decided to move forward with the majority and tried to let him know that we understood his concerns and his position on the subject, however there was a need to make a decision and we decided to go with the majority.

I am the oldest child so after the group call ended, I received several texts stating that my siblings had a concern that my brother, who was not in agreement with us, would reach out to my mom to stir up conflict and to create a “them against us” situation with the other siblings and my mom. We decided to approach my bother today with love, grace and concern and to share with him the harm this could cause in the long run, Our desire was he would agree to disagree but to be all in with the decision we made as a family.

In the vibrant tapestry of a church community, differences of opinion are inevitable. Because our church has moved into a new location, will be starting new ministries and has a new budget the stage has now been set for a difference of opinions. While diversity can be a source of strength, it can also become a breeding ground for conflict when not handled with wisdom and grace. In this devotional, I wanted to explore how one person opposing something can cause conflict in a church, drawing lessons from Scripture and offering guidance on how to foster unity amidst disagreements.

**The Seeds of Conflict: One Person’s Opposition**

It takes just one individual with a strongly held belief or opposing viewpoint to sow the seeds of conflict within a church. This can manifest in various ways, from disagreements about church leadership decisions to theological interpretations or matters of practice. Let’s consider the story of Korah’s rebellion in the book of Numbers as an example.

Scripture: Numbers 16:1-3 (NIV)

“Now Korah, son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council.”

Korah, along with others, opposed the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They questioned their authority and, in doing so, ignited a rebellion that resulted in catastrophic consequences. This biblical account serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential for division and discord when one person’s opposition goes unchecked.

**Fostering Unity: Joining with the Majority**

While differences of opinion are natural, it is essential for the health and unity of the church that conflicts are resolved in a Christ-like manner. Here are some biblical principles and practical steps to consider:

1. Pray for Unity: Seek God’s guidance through prayer, asking for wisdom and understanding as you navigate disagreements (Ephesians 4:3).

2. Speak the Truth in Love: Express your concerns or opposition with a humble and loving attitude, following the principles outlined in Ephesians 4:15.

3. Submit to Authority: Recognize the importance of submitting to spiritual authority within the church, understanding that God has placed leaders for a reason (Hebrews 13:17).

**The Consequences of Disunity**

Choosing not to join with the majority, even if you disagree, can lead to several negative outcomes:

1. Division: Persistent opposition can result in the fragmentation of the church, damaging relationships and weakening its witness to the world.

2. Spiritual Stagnation: Focusing on internal conflicts can divert the church’s energy away from its mission to make disciples and spread the gospel.

3. Missed Blessings: Refusing to align with the majority can mean missing out on the blessings that come from unity in the body of Christ (Psalm 133:1).

**Pursuing Unity with Grace**

In the face of opposition within the church, let us remember the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 15:5-6 (NIV): “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to pursue unity with grace and humility, even when we hold differing views. Let us seek to resolve conflicts in a manner that reflects the love and unity found in Christ, for in doing so, we honor our Savior and bear witness to His transformative power in our lives and our church.