Chapter 48—Problem Solving and Conflict
Resolution
Understanding the perversity of human nature, Jesus gave ex-
plicit rules for our dealing with one another—Our Redeemer un-
derstood the perversity of human nature; and in order to save the souls
for whom He sacrificed His life, and establish His church in unity
and prosperity upon the earth, He has given explicit rules for church-
members to follow in dealing with one another. Hear what He says:
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him
his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, Thou hast
gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one
or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word
may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto
the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as
a heathen man and a publican.”—
The Review and Herald, April 15,
1880
.
Value the gift of peacemaking—Where are those who do not
stint or measure their loving labor for the Master? Who are striving to
quell every dissension in the church, being peace-makers in Christ’s
name? Who are seeking to answer the prayer of Christ, “That they all
may be one; as thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also
may be one in Us; ... I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made
perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me,
and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me”? Could our Lord speak
these words, so gracious, so full of meaning, of the churches in their
present state of feeble love, of dissension and petty trial,—churches
that are calling ministers from important work to settle their little
manufactured difficulties, thus showing that they have no connection
with God?—No. The members of the church must come into unity;
and in order to do this, they must have less of self, and more of Jesus.
They must learn of Christ. They must be meek and lowly of heart.
Their selfish pride must die. Then their mountains of difficulty will be
reduced to mole-hills.—
The Review and Herald, January 6, 1891
.
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