{"id":26,"date":"2010-09-11T03:53:29","date_gmt":"2010-09-11T03:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/johnmark.net.au\/kz\/?p=26"},"modified":"2010-09-11T03:53:29","modified_gmt":"2010-09-11T03:53:29","slug":"covenant-commitments-for-christians-in-times-of-conflict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/johnmark.net.au\/ps\/?p=26","title":{"rendered":"Covenant Commitments for Christians in Times of Conflict"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"“Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3),
\nas individual members and as the body of Christ, before God, we commit that:<\/em><\/p>\n

In our thoughts, we will<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/em>Accept conflict<\/strong>
\nAcknowledge together that disagreement and conflict are normal parts of our lives in Christian community and in themselves are not sinful.\u00a0 Rom 14:1-8, 10-12, 17-19; 15:1-7<\/p>\n

Affirm hope<\/strong>
\nAffirm that as God walks with us in conflict we can work through to a place where we can continue together and grow through the experience.\u00a0\u00a0 Matt 18:20, Eph 4:15-16<\/p>\n

Commit to prayer<\/strong>
\nReflect prayerfully before God on our needs and those of others and commit ourselves to pray for a mutually satisfactory solution. James 5:16
\n
\nIn our actions, we will<\/em><\/strong>
\n
\nGo to the other…<\/strong>
\nGo directly to those with whom have tense or broken relationships; avoiding gossip and behind-the-back criticism. We will speak with others before speaking about them. Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-20
\n…In the spirit of humility<\/strong>
\nReflect on our own possible contributions to the tension, we will be prepared to go in gentleness, patience and humility. Galatians 6:1-5<\/p>\n

Be quick to listen<\/strong>
\nListen carefully and clarify our understanding of what is shared before responding. James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13<\/p>\n

Be slow to judge<\/strong>
\nSuspend judgements, avoid labelling, end name-calling, discard threats, and act in a non-defensive, non-reactive way. Romans 2:1-4; Galatians 5:22-26<\/p>\n

Be willing to apologise and to forgive<\/strong>
\nBe prepared to acknowledge our behaviour and offer an apology, seeking forgiveness in situations where we have hurt another. We will be prepared to offer forgiveness where a genuine apology and request for forgiveness is made to us. Colossians 3:13<\/p>\n

Be ready to negotiate with openness<\/strong>
\nWork through the disagreements constructively. Acts 15; Philippians 2:1-11<\/p>\n