Resolving Conflict, Restoring Unity

Insert the Power Point Here

PowerPoint Title Slide

Symphony of Community slide1 then 2 (move from it to next slide quickly)

(Illustration slide) - I know we have used a symphony before, so I want to use it again. In an orchestra every musician plays a different part, different instruments, yet they all follow the same conductor, the result is beautiful harmony. But if one player insists on their own tempo, the music turns to noise.

(transition) Conflict in community is not surprising that is why Jesus gives us a process (Mt18:15-20). Conflict is inevitable, and Paul gives a posture that preserves it (Eph4:1-3)

Handling Conflict biblically slide

Jesus assumes conflict will happen even among believers. The issue isn’t if, but how we respond.

“Go and show your brother his fault in private. . .”

The biblical process is direct, private, and redemptive — not gossip, avoidance or aggression.

Principle to remember: Go to the person, not about the person.

Questions to ponder slide

Why does Jesus emphasize going privately first?

How might this approach prevent greater division?

Unity must be preserved

Ephesians 4:1–3 “1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Walk in a manner worthy of the calling

That walk is marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love.

Unity is the bond of peace — something we must keep through intentional effort.

Principle: Unity doesn’t happen by accident’ it’s protected through character.

Illustration: think of this picture a fragile heart glass sculpture — it is delicate and must be treated with care. Unity like such is delicate. Once broken, it can be restored, but only with careful, patient hands.

The Goal is restoration not Division slide

Restoration is the heart of biblical heart of conflict resolution

Goal of Healing

The main aim of biblical conflict resolution is to achieve healing among individuals and communities.

Renewed Fellowship

Conflict resolution seeks to restore fellowship and unity, reflecting a desire for peaceful relationships.

Peace and Mutual Support

Peace and mutual support are foundational values encouraged through restoration in biblical teachings.

Building a bridge not a wall slide

When a bridge collapses, both sides are cut off. But when we rebuild it, both sides can meet again. Conflict handled God’s way rebuilds bridges and not walls!

Steps toward reconciliation (Mt18:15-20)

Matthew 18:15–20 “15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. 17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.””

The process Jesus gives us is not about punishment; it’s about winning your brother back (v.15).

God’s heart is always reconciliation— restoring relationships, not proving who’s right.

The church’s unity reflects Christ’s character to the world. John 13:35 “35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””

Then Ephesians 4:3 “3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (This is a slide)

Principle: Peacemakers pursue reconciliation, not retaliation.

Application: Be a peacemaker — Seek reconciliation over being right.

Be a Peacemaker

Ask yourself in conflict - “Do I want to win the argument or win my brother?”

Pray before you speak — your goal is healing, not victory.

Choose gentleness over pride, patience over frustration, love over distance.

(not on the slide) Remember: Christ reconciled us to God — we must now reflect the same ministry of reconciliation as noted 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 “18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” - to the apostles, recorded for us to share with others a ministry of reconciliation!

Practical Steps

Identify any strained relationships in your life

Pray for humility and the right time to speak

Go directly and privately, seeking peace.

Keep unity as your priority, not vindication.

Conclusion

Conflict will happen —even in the best of churches, families, or friendships.

But when handled biblically, conflict can become a path to deeper unity, stronger love and greater maturity.

God calls us not to avoid conflict but to redeem it for His glory and restored unity.

We know what Jesus said in Matthew 5:9 “9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” and that He calls for reconciliation first to Him, then to each other. As a church community we are called to be a community that reflects his grace, not that we never have disagreements, but in how we handle our disagreements in humility and love. If there is someone you need to make things right with, please do no wait, Go, go in love, go in prayer, go be restored, be reconciled, be a peacemaker today.

(Song) (Prayer) (exit)