As Lutheran Women in Mission, we often refer to ourselves as Sisters in Christ. We are a family. And like any family, sometimes there are disagreements and squabbles. When disagreements happen, what should we do?
We can turn to God’s Word for guidance to help resolve conflicts and seek reconciliation.
- Use kind words. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
- Address the conflict privately, with the goal of restoring the relationship. If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother (Matthew 18:15).
- Confess your own part in the conflict, seek forgiveness, and be willing to forgive others. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:31–32).
- Seek peace. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:19).
Will it be easy? No. But, because we have been reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are called to reconcile with others. When we are reconciled, the conflict is gone, and we can enjoy peace and fellowship.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2023–2025 Group Development Committee
Julie Hatesohl,
Cinda Poppe,
Jennifer Gierke, Chairman
Arlene Naasz, Vice President of Organizational Resources
