Show grace under fire

Here are three important principles you need to keep in mind when conflict arises: (1) Deal with the issue without attacking the person. Some of the most vicious personal attacks have been waged over religion. What a shame! Some of us would rather lose the relationship than lose the argument. (2) Sometimes it’s best to go separate ways. When Paul and Barnabas argued over whether or not John Mark should travel with them on their next missionary journey, “their disagreement was so sharp that they separated” (Acts 15:39 NLT). But that’s not the end of the story. Actually, it resulted in the birth of two different ministries. So be gracious. What’s happening right now may be God’s way of moving you into a new area of service and blessing. (3) Remember that “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV). When iron sharpens iron, sparks fly. If you have ever been around teens, you can relate. They’re experts at coming up with unconventional off-the-wall opinions that challenge you and keep you honest. An old Quaker bought a cantankerous cow. Every milking session became a battle of wills. Determined to demonstrate grace under fire, the old man refused to react when Bessie stomped her foot, whipped him in the face with her tail, and knocked over the milk bucket. Finally, she kicked him against the barn wall, and that did it! Glowering, he growled, “Thou knowest I am a Quaker and cannot strike thee back – but I can surely sell thee to a Presbyterian!” When you are the injured party, that’s when you need to draw on this promise: “He gives more grace.”