Paul tackled conflict head-on in a Christ-like way, with the result that people around him came to know Christ.
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Scripture
Acts 28:17
“After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.”
Observation
Paul was in chains because of the Jewish leaders, and I would have expected him to keep a low profile when he arrived in Rome–yet here he is, directly confronting the issue and boldly proclaiming God’s truth! He tackled the issue head-on, with the result that some of those Jewish leaders came to know Christ.
Application
What a great course Paul could have taught on conflict management and dealing with difficult people! Instead of assuming the worst about these mend and judging them by their counterparts in Jerusalem, he gave them an opportunity to respond to truth. He tackled the issue with no apology, but also without a personal vendetta. He simply stated the relevant facts, and let them respond as they chose.
I need to learn from Paul this week! Some issues must be confronted without hesitation or apology, so that they are not given a chance to hinder the mission. I can’t control how others respond to confrontation, I can only work to keep my own heart right before God and let him accomplish what he desires through the situation.
Prayer
God, help me this week to handle conflict in a way which honors you. Not by avoiding it, or by allowing my emotions to fan the flames, but by directly confronting conflict with truth and a heart of love.
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