Dealing with dissensions

  - A conflict management lesson from the early Church

READ: 2 Chronicles 11, 12; Psalms 5; Acts 6

SCRIPTURE: Acts 6: 1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

OBSERVATION: The first members of the early Church were all Jews who came from different countries (Acts 2:5,41). Every day new believers joined in the early Church (Acts 2:46; 5:14). When participants or the number of people increase in a conversation, organization, and in any set-ups, it will create more trouble if it is not carefully handled. In Acts 6:1, we read about dissension between Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews and Hebraic (Hebrew speaking) Jews concerning the Church's care for the poor widows. The way apostles handled the complaint is appropriate for all times. In those days, apostles handled both the ministry of the word and caring for the poor in the Church. When a conflict emerged, apostles called all the disciples together and clearly expressed that they wanted to spend more time in prayer and the ministry of the word. Concerning the complaint, they proposed an idea to choose seven men “who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” to take care of the distribution of the food. It is interesting to note that "the whole group" agreed to this proposal, and that the names of the seven men suggest that they were all from Hellenistic Jews. The apostles turned the responsibility to these seven men. The early Church amicably resolved the issue related to taking care of the poor, which caused the dissension. Notice, this was not the end of the story. After the Church appointed the seven men, the Church witnessed rapid growth; "a large number of priests became obedient to the faith" (v.7). Still, we have something more from this story; One of the seven men, Stephen, became a great evangelist; Later, he became the first martyr of the Church.

Apostles' "affirmative action" brought significant changes within the Church, and it was a starting point for the Church's ministry beyond Jerusalem. Let us examine ourselves: how do we handle when we hear voice(s) of dissensions? Do we try to prove the strength of the majority by silencing such voices? Or do we make efforts to maintain the balance and solve the problem amicably? Above all, do we keep the main thing the main? Do we "give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word"? Great changes are awaiting! 

APPLICATION: When I face dissensions and disagreements, I should turn to the word of God and obey what the Lord says. I am here not to prove my case or argument but to win people for Christ. When I become clear and confident about my call and primary responsibility,  then it becomes easy for me to handle any problems in my life. Every challenge brings an opportunity to serve God more faithfully.

PRAYER: My Lord Jesus, fill me your wisdom and Spirit to witness you in every situation of my life. Help me to seek first you and your word than any other things or achievements. Lord, give me your grace to affirm others and bring the changes you desire. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel

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