The Rock Church

If You Can’t Be Kind, Be Quiet

I recently taught at church about how to treat fellow believers when we disagree politically. Christians who differ on such issues should always do so with a spirit of kindness, graciousness, and understanding. Indeed, this spirit honors King Jesus.

I know a little bit about conflict. Like everyone else, I’ve had my fair share of personal skirmishes with my wife, kids, family, co-workers, teammates, etc.  Additionally, for the past 33 years, I have been called in to help hundreds of other people resolve their broken relationships. In fact, just this past week, I had the opportunity to help resolve a dispute between two dear friends. Fortunately, humility carried the day, and all was well.

My top “pro tip” for resolving conflict? Stop it before it starts. Without a doubt, the best way to do that is to be preemptive and wise in your actions, thoughts, and words. Simply put, don’t put yourself in a situation that will ultimately lead to conflict.

But what do we do when we disagree politically with someone in our church? Unfortunately, many people resort to anger or mean social media posts. Along with that, they become passive-aggressive or simply avoid each other altogether. There is undoubtedly a better way for Christians. When we disagree, we should always prioritize our relationship over politics. 

What’s Your Attitude?

The Bible absolutely tells us what to do. Our attitude toward Christians who don’t believe the way we do in non-essential issues (like politics) should be loving, kind, and patient. Equally important, it should be gentle, grace-filled, and long-suffering. Does this come near to describing your political social media posts?

God’s Word calls Christians to a higher standard. He instructs us in Ephesians 4:29 (NIV84): “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

It’s never okay to slander or judge your fellow brothers or sisters because of differing political beliefs. So rather than flame them online, why not simply be kind and listen? At the same time, humbly acknowledge that maybe you don’t have ultimate, complete, and supreme knowledge of all things political. In fact, you could be … wrong.

Are you tempted to say (or post) something mean or nasty (regarding your political convictions)? Before you do, remember this wise advice: “If you can’t be kind, be quiet.”

Practicing kindness,

Bill

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Better

I meet people all the time who are looking for something better. I often cringe when a new visitor at our church will “go off” about another church they’ve visited. For instance, they complain about the pastor having green teeth (or something like that). If the opportunity presents itself (and I often try to make it present itself), I recommend they talk to that pastor about the green teeth situation. They certainly need to work it out.   

Let’s face it, looking down on others (and belittling them) is an easy trap to fall into. It’s like stepping in dog doo-doo without realizing it. Maybe it’s human nature to want to make ourselves look better by making others look bad. Admittedly, I catch myself doing it all the time. This behavior usually manifests itself into gossip. We think people should be all put together, like us — ha!

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Resolving Conflict

There is one thing I know. At some point, you will definitely offend or sin against someone close to you. Simply stated, between family, friends, co-workers, (or just doing life with people) conflict happens.

The good news is that the time between the offense and the resolution is within our control. Dealing with it quickly creates peace in our hearts. On the other hand, if not dealt with, conflict causes war in our hearts. Jesus gives us some clear steps on how to resolve conflict.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico