How do you handle conflicts in your church? On his Desiring God blog, John Piper finds an Old Testament example of the Advent attitude we should foster in others and ourselves.

During the rebellion of Absalom, Mephibosheth's inheritance was stolen by his servant Ziba, who led David to believe Mephibosheth was a traitor. Once Absalom died and David could return to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth explained the truth, but David decided to settle the matter quickly by dividing the inheritance between Ziba and Mephibosheth.

Says Piper:

What will Mephibosheth say to this settlement? Half his inheritance is going to a scoundrel. Mephibosheth's answer is one of the most beautiful sentences in the Bible:

Mephibosheth said to the king, "Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home." (2 Samuel 19:30)

This is how we should feel about king Jesus. He has come to save us. And he will come a second time to be with us forever. He is our inheritance and our great reward.

Let this Advent season ...