Jesus Christ obviously present and actively in charge is our platform for conflict resolution. Why? Because the spontaneous response to His presence is a devastating humility.
My biggest fear in ministry over the years has been that the sheep will begin to fight each other, and I will not be able to stop the fighting. There is nothing worse than to be preaching your heart out, all the while knowing that there is an undercurrent of division in the congregation that snuffs out the fire of every word you say. Satan is a divider. He hands everyone their ammunition yet declares himself neutral. He uses distraction, discouragement, and deflection. Churches and homes split because the don’t agree upon a platform to be used to resolve conflicts. Scripturally, Jesus is that platform.
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus gives us clear instructions in how to settle our offenses. Verse 20, which is often used out of context says, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Jesus promises to be the humbling presence to those who meet to be right with God and each other. In John 17:20-23, He prays for the love, the oneness, and the glory of the Godhead to be ours in relationships.
Someone’s Presence Makes a Difference
Whether it’s a hand in the cookie jar or driving too fast on the freeway, someone’s presence makes a difference. The sight of a state trooper parked just over the hill can cause a speeding motorist to slow down immediately. One time, some families were complaining to me about what was going on in their church. After a moment I asked them, “If the glorified Christ walked into our midst, what would we do?” Immediately they said, “We would fall on our faces before Him.” Great men like Isaiah, Ezekiel and Daniel crumbled in the presence of the glory of God. In the presence of God, attitudes change from “What’s wrong with them?” to “Woe is me.”