Musing – If you have a dispute…

 

Hebraic Musing – If you have a dispute…

Or, how to discuss differences and avoid church splits.

Did you know that if you have two Rabbis, you will have three opinions?

Here is a quote that came out of a teaching from Acts 14  “Christian disputes should lead to discussion, but discussion avails nothing if hearts are not first humbled before God."

Who of us has not heard of an ugly church split, or experienced one ourselves?  Or have you encountered someone disagreeing with their Pastor, Priest or Rabbi and storming out the door…?

Did they handle it in a biblical way?  Sometimes they even claim they did.  They may even say they went to the person, then brought a friend, then took it before the church, etc.  That's all good, BUT... their hearts must truly be humble for that to work! 

The passage in Acts 14 refers to Pauls' first work in Antioch.  The Jerusalem church seemed to be focused on the issue of circumcision, so Paul and Barnabas went back and "discussed" it with them (this being the first Jerusalem Council).  The Jerusalem council, led by Yaakov (a.k.a. James), Yeshua’s half-brother, consisted of Jews/Israelites who were rather passionate about their point of view, customs, background and experience.  But eventually they were persuaded by the Ruach HaChodesh, a.k.a. Holy Spirit, to agree that the Gentiles could indeed be saved, and that the Gentile converts would not have to follow some of the symbolic portions of the Mosaic law, like the crucifixion of the flesh, circumcision. 

Today individuals and churches squabble and split over silly things; yet the original church had a pretty big issue, based on a 1,900-year-old ritual (Gen.17:10 re Circumcision) and yet they were able to come to an agreement.  Why?  Their hearts were humbled.   “…let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” James 1:19 ESV

Point to ponder -

Who do I know who doesn’t see things my way?

Why should I need a humbled heart if I know I am right?

You really don’t know if you’re submitted to your Rabbi or Pastor until he says ‘No’.

♫   Humble Thyself In The Sight Of The Lord, And He Shall Lift You Up…
         Higher And Higher And He Shall Lift You Up.  ♫

Yosef  a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd             October 14, 2025
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Originally published as Hebraic Musing November 28, 2011; and here’s related information:

Here are some classic steps for Biblical Conflict Resolution

To resolve conflict biblically, follow principles of love, humility, and direct communication as outlined in scripture.

1.   Acknowledge the Conflict: The first step is to recognize that a conflict exists.  Avoiding or denying the issue can lead to further misunderstandings.  As Matthew 5:23-24 suggests, if you remember that someone has something against you, prioritize reconciliation before offering your gifts at the altar.

2.   Seek Peace and Pursue It: Actively seek peace in your relationships.  Psalm 34:14 encourages believers to "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."  This requires intentional effort to resolve disputes in a godly manner.

3.   Communicate Directly: Engage in honest and respectful communication.  Matthew 18:15 advises that if someone sins against you, go and tell them their fault privately.  This direct approach helps to clarify misunderstandings and fosters a spirit of reconciliation.

4.   Listen Attentively: When discussing the conflict, listen to the other person's perspective without becoming defensive.  This demonstrates respect and a willingness to understand their feelings.

5.   Practice Humility and Forgiveness: Approach the situation with humility, considering others' needs above your own (Philippians 2:3).  Ephesians 4:32 emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another as God forgave you, which is essential for healing relationships.

6.   Focus on Common Goals: Establish that the relationship is more important than the disagreement.  “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3   Encourage and maintain unity through keeping peace, which can help shift the focus from personal differences to shared values.

7.   Pray for Guidance: Seek divine wisdom through prayer.  Invite God into the situation, asking for clarity and understanding.  This spiritual approach can provide peace and direction in resolving conflicts.

By following these biblical principles, you can navigate conflicts in a way that honors God and promotes healing and reconciliation in your relationships.  These steps not only apply to personal disputes but can also be effective in various contexts, including family, work, and community interactions.