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 put your church’s disputes in the right perspective. Jesus is our greatest treasure. Let’s remember that the next time someone threatens our ego with a harsh criticism.
Of course, we should still strive to mediate fairly. Mephibosheth’s graciousness does not excuse David’s poor judgment. But, in a church dispute, if both sides rejoice over Jesus as much as Mephibosheth did over David, I’m convinced that resolution will come much more easily.
What are some other ways that the coming of Jesus changes our approach to disputes? What are some other strategies to remember in general for approaching conflict in the church?
