How can we overcome trouble in our churches? Division, strife, and fighting are ever-present problems in the fellowship. How do we move past these enemies of unity?
Let’s look at three steps we can take to accomplish this goal.
1) Forgive one another. We are sinners who are in constant need of forgiveness. Christians will hurt each other from time to time. The need for forgiveness is great. We must offer forgiveness and receive forgiveness in order to vanquish trouble from the congregation. Read Matthew 18 and you will see Jesus’ treatise on forgiveness.
2) Communicate with one another. When we hear something that someone supposedly said or did, don’t assume too much. Perhaps you are not hearing the entire story. Give people in the church the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume the worst about others. And if you have questions, GO ASK THEM!
Paul tells us that Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Communicate and get to the bottom of the story. You’ll be glad you did.
3) Be patient with one another. Not everyone in the church is at the same spiritual level. Recognizing that fact will go a long way in helping us to be longsuffering. Be patient, be kind, and understanding. It’s not easy. But such actions are worth the effort.
Jesus reminds us that we will always have trouble. (John 16:33) He also teaches that He has overcome the world. We can overcome trouble when it inevitably arises. Forgiveness, communication, and patience are a must in this process. May God bless you as you seek unity in the church.
Tony French
mrtonyfrench 
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