Have you ever had someone come to you upset at someone else? They wanted to share their frustration with someone regarding a brother or sister in Christ?

Did you know your response to their words is important and can help determine the outcome?

The Bible tells us to settle matters quickly, speak the truth in love and to go to the person you’re upset with first when there is a dispute.  However, often that’s the last thing we do. (Matthew 18, Ephesians 4)

The Bible also reminds us in Proverbs that the first person who tells of a matter seems right until you hear both sides of the story. (Proverbs 18:17)

Each time the problem is discussed and repeated to people who are not involved, division grows.  In the end, a problem between two people becomes a problem with many people and true division begins.

Satan loves division, especially between God’s children. 

However, if instead of “hashing it out” when someone has a problem against another, we pray and point them to Christ and what His word says about disagreements, then true unity can begin. (Matthew 18)

Each time we listen to someone
complain about someone else without encouraging reconciliation God’s way, we then become part of the problem.

Prayer is a healthy way to encourage in a situation like this.  Pray for unity, forgiveness, love and for softened hearts.  However, as the Bible says, merely talking about it over and over only causes heartbreak.

I have been guilty of listening to complaining rather than following God’s directions and praying for a resolution.  However, my desire from this day on, is not to be part of the problem but to be part of the solution. Will you join me?💗