Christians and Conflict |
Christians aren't any better than anyone else. So they make mistakes, and sometimes do what they want even though it hurts others - just like everyone else. Tragically that has sometimes caused conflict, suffering and misery for other people. And when that happens Christians should be ashamed.
But that doesn't mean that Christianity itself is awful. Recently, people have cause conflict at football and ice hockey matches. They should be ashamed. But it's be wrong for us to decide that those sports themselves are awful, just because some people mistakenly or even deliberately misuse them. The truth is that people cause conflict. The mistakes a failures of Christians Don't mean Christianity itself is wrong. |
Christ and Peace |
In fact, Christ brought peace to the world. he came to end conflict. He told his followers: " Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5v9). he encourage people to live at peace with one another, and told his followers to love their enemies.
But he also taught that our biggest conflict is one we don't always notice. we're all at war with our maker God. We'd rather he didn't rule us and we live our lives as though he doesn't. Naturally we're alienated from God and... enemies in your minds" (Colossians 1v21). Jesus was born to bring "on earth peace to men on whom God's favour rests" (Luke 2v14). Through Jesus, we can find peace with God and receive eternal perfect life with him, instead of being at war with him and facing eternity without anything good. So when it comes to conflict with others and conflict with God, what we need is more of Christ, not less. |
Christ and Conflict |
But... although Jesus came to bring peace, may people still want to be t war with God. So Jesus knew that his coming into the world wouldn't bring peace, "but division" (Luke 12v51).
Christ's coming means some people are at peace with God by trusting him, and others are still at war with God. And that's the only division that will continue, and better, for all eternity. |
"I think I'm already OK with God - I don't feel at war with him. Don't all good people go to heaven?"
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"If Jesus came to bring peace... Why is there still suffering?"
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