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Week 1: Glorify God
Week 1 of the series: "Resolving Conflict God's Way"
Conflict is unavoidable. Whether it's a misunderstanding with a coworker, tension in a marriage, or differences in a church community, conflict finds its way into every corner of life. But how we respond to conflict can either honor God or feed the fire of discord. This week, we began a five-part sermon series, Resolving Conflict God’s Way, inspired by Ken Sande’s book The Peacemaker.
The series builds on four foundational steps, all deeply rooted in Scripture. The first step — and th
e focus of this week’s sermon — is to ask, “How can I glorify God in this conflict?” Before diving into the practical tools, let’s explore why peacemaking is central to the Christian life and how every conflict is an opportunity to reflect God’s grace.
Peacemaking — A Reflection of God’s Character
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” When we engage in peacemaking, we reflect the heart of our heavenly Father. It shows the world that we are, as the saying goes, “a chip off the old block.”
Conflict, however, often tempts us to respond in ways that are anything but God-honoring. We either lash out in anger, trying to dominate the situation, or retreat in fear, avoiding the issue entirely. Neither of these extremes reflects the character of God, and both can damage relationships over time.
Every Conflict Is an Opportunity
Ken Sande reminds us that for a follower of Christ every conflict presents a three-fold opportunity:
- to glorify God
- serve others
- grow in Christlikeness
This approach shifts the focus from “winning” to honoring God and trusting Him to work through the situation.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of this perspective in 1 Corinthians 10:31, saying, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Even in moments of disagreement, we can aim to glorify God by how we speak, listen, and act.
Conflict also allows us to serve others by showing humility and love — just as Jesus, the ultimate peacemaker, served us by giving His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Conflict provides an opportunity for spiritual growth. Ephesians 5:1–2 calls us to “be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” By engaging in conflict with a desire to reflect Christ, we allow God to shape us into His image.
Peacemaking Is a Skill
Peacemaking starts with a desire rooted in faith, but desire alone isn’t enough. In today’s culture, the media often teaches us how to win arguments or avoid conflict, but rarely how to handle disagreements with wisdom and grace. Many people mishandle conflict not because they lack good intentions, but because they lack the skills to navigate difficult situations.
True peacemaking requires us to hold two things in tension: honesty and humility. We must speak the truth in love, even in the face of opposition, without seeking to dominate or “win.” At the same time, we must approach others with humility, recognizing our own limitations and need for grace.
Step 1: Glorify God
The first step in resolving conflict God’s way is to ask, “How can I glorify God here?” This simple question helps us pause, reset, and focus on what truly matters. As James 4:1 reminds us, conflict often arises from selfish desires: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?”
By shifting our focus from ourselves to God, we redefine success in conflict. Success is not about getting our way or avoiding discomfort — it’s about honoring God in how we respond. Paul emphasizes this in Colossians 3:23–24, saying, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
This mindset also aligns with Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:18: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” This is such a wonderful verse because it sets us free from having to control the outcome of our situation. While we can’t control how others respond, we can control how we act. Pursuing peace to the best of our ability reflects the heart of God and allows us to walk away from conflict with a clear conscience.
Learning from Jesus
Jesus is the ultimate example of glorifying God in the face of conflict. When He went to the cross, He trusted His Father’s plan, even praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Through His obedience, Jesus accomplished the greatest act of peacemaking in history — reconciling humanity to God.
When we approach conflict with a heart set on glorifying God, we represent Jesus to the world. Our words and actions become a testimony to His love and grace. And even if the conflict isn’t resolved, we can have peace knowing that we acted in faith and honored God.
Conflict is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to lead to division or regret. By asking, “How can I glorify God in this conflict?” we reframe the situation as an opportunity to reflect His character.
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the remaining steps of Resolving Conflict God’s Way: getting the log out of your own eye, gently restoring others, and pursuing reconciliation. But it all starts here — with a commitment to honor God in every disagreement.
Imagine what could change in your life if, in every conflict, you paused to pray and ask, “How can I glorify God here?” Instead of reacting with anger or avoidance, you could respond with faith and courage — and, in doing so, find peace in the midst of conflict.
Next week, we’ll dive into the second step: getting the log out of your own eye. Until then, may we strive to glorify God in all that we do — even in conflict.
Much grace and peace to you!
