RE Verse reading–Matthew 5:17-48 (day five) “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court” (vs 25) Followers of Christ are often conflict avoidant. We dislike conflict so much that we don’t deal with it. Not honestly. Not fairly. Not with a will to settle the matter. The sad truth? By avoiding it we prolong it. Righteousness to Jesus did not mean the absence of enemies. Conflicts come. . .in families, in churches, in friendships and businesses. The life that fulfills the Law is characterized by a willingness to face conflict, put it to rest, and limit the damage done. The goal is not to win an argument but to find a settlement. “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14) It is not conflict that concerned Jesus. It is unsettled conflict. May the Lord make many disciples at the point of this wisdom!
So very well said! Thank you for this! Shouldn’t we, as Christ-followers, be BETTER than most at working through conflict and finding a peaceful resolution? Thanks for this word!