Resolving Everyday Conflicts Series - Going Higher (Week 2)
- Grant Watts
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Going Higher
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
This passage immediately addresses the issue of Christian liberty regarding food; it provides the foundational principles for resolving and preventing conflict within the church and with the outside world. The core of the passage shifts the focus from individual rights to the ultimate purposes of the Christian life, which, when applied, resolves most "grey area" conflicts.
Key Principles for Resolving Conflict
This passage offers three guiding principles that directly counteract the selfishness and self-focus that fuel most disagreements:
1. The Ultimate Goal: Glorify God (v. 31)
1 Corinthians 10:31: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Application to Conflict: Before engaging in a disagreement or exercising a personal right (a "freedom" issue), the believer must ask: "Will this action/word/argument bring honour to God?"
Conflicts usually centre on our own desires (to be right, to have our way, to be vindicated). Glorifying God means submitting our personal interests to His will and reputation.
Conflict Resolution Strategy: Frame the issue around what best displays the character of Christ (humility, love, patience), not who is right or wrong on a secondary matter.
What examples in your life, or that you have seen, where asserting your ‘rights’ or ‘freedoms’ have cause conflict?
2. The Practical Standard: Avoid Offense and Seek the Good of Others (v. 32-33)
1 Corinthians 10:32: "Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God..."
"Offense" here refers to causing someone to stumble morally or to reject the Gospel because of a Christian's self-centred action.
Where do you see we give offence with our words and actions?
1 Corinthians 10:33: "...just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved."
Application to Conflict: The motivation for resolving conflict must be selfless love and evangelism, not self-preservation or victory.
In a dispute over a non-essential matter (like music style, clothing, political opinion, etc.), the mature Christian is called to willingly surrender their right if exercising it causes a brother to stumble or an outsider to be alienated from the Gospel.
Where have you seen conflict over non-essential issues in the church and your relationships, what impact did it have?
Paul models the ultimate conflict strategy: "not seeking my own advantage, but that of many." Conflicts cease to be about "me" when the focus is on the spiritual welfare of the other person and the reputation of the church.
What does it look like to, "not seeking my own advantage, but that of many." In our church and relationships?
3. The Model to Imitate: The Example of Christ (v. 11:1)
1 Corinthians 11:1: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
Application to Conflict: Paul's actions (forsaking personal advantage for the sake of others' salvation) mirror the ultimate self-denial of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8).
Conflict Resolution Strategy: True peacemaking requires humility and the willingness to give up one's "rights" or preferences. Christ, though God, gave up His divine rights to serve and save humanity. Therefore, the Christian must be willing to sacrifice personal preference to maintain peace and unity in the body of Christ.
What steps can you take to be a Peacemaker and live in humility in situations of conflict?