In 2010, Tigers pitcher, Armando Galarraga was one out away from a perfect game when there was a play at first that was called safe. The perfect game was lost, but the reality was the runner was indeed out. Without replay, there was no way to reverse the call. There was plenty of disagreement on the field and disappointment in the hearts of the Tiger pitcher, team and fans. But after the game, realizing he had made the incorrect call, the umpire humbly and tearfully asked for forgiveness to which Galarraga replied, “Nobody’s perfect.” We live in a broken world with broken people which will undoubtably lead to conflict and disagreements among our team, coaching staff, world and even our own family. As followers of Christ, we are not immune to conflict, but we do have direction from God’s Word in how to handle conflict.
Warm-Up:
What encourages you about this story of conflict in sports history?
How do you handle conflict? Do you seek it or run from it?
Workout: If we look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians, hidden between the excitement of knowing Christ (Philippians 3) and the encouragement of being content in all things because of Christ (Philippians 4) lies a little disagreement between two women Euodia and Syntyche who are followers of Christ. “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you true partner to help these women who have contented for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of the workers who are in the book of life.” — Philippians 4:2-3
These were obviously ladies who were in the ministry, preaching the Good News about Jesus, but found themselves in conflict about something. What can this teach us about conflict as a disciple of Christ?
Lead with humility not hurt
Paul pleads with them but never judges or takes sides. The word urge is the Greek word parakaleo which means “a call, desire, exhort to pray”. Paul is urging them to humbly come before the Lord. Take their eyes and heart off the hurt they feel and ask God to help in their healing. To humbly come before the Lord and ask for His help and His wisdom.
2. Desire Unity not Uniformity.
Resolving conflict doesn’t mean you have to eventually agree on everything but move forward in unity. Paul and Barnabas had a conflict when Barnabas wanted to take along Mark as they went to different towns to check on the new believers. “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed…traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches” (Acts 15:39-41). Yes, they disagreed, and each went their separate ways, but in unity, they both shared the hope and Good News of Jesus Christ. Like Euodia and Syntyche and Paul and Barnabas, we must remember what we share in Christ outweighs what divides us.
3. If you can’t resolve the conflict by yourselves, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Paul asks his partner to help these women resolve their conflict. Sometimes we need an outside voice of wisdom and help to see what we cannot. Jesus lays all of this out in Matthew 18:15-17. As a disciple of Christ, we must learn how to handle conflict with the help and healing of Christ.
Wrap-Up:
In what way do these stories of conflict connect with you?
What is one aspect of biblical conflict resolution that challenges you?