“Act in line with the truth of the gospel...” Gal. 2:14
Dear Jesus—as you know, some of us are conflict allergic, others, conflict addicted, and some are conflict ambivalent. But all of us need to grow the heart and learn the art of redemptive conflict. To conflict is human; to conflict redemptively is “gospelicious.” Healthy conflict is a demonstration of the riches of grace and the reconciling power of your love.
Paul’s conflict with Peter in Galatia is both a gift to us and a pattern for us. Paul confronted his fellow apostle and friend because his attitude and actions contradicted the Gospel. In a momentary lapse, Peter gave in to the fear of man, peer pressure, and a love-failure (Gal.2:11-21). Peter didn’t “act in line with the truth of the Gospel”; but Paul did so in response to Peter’s failure.
Indeed, the Gospel doesn’t call us to give people a pass, but give them your grace. The Gospel doesn’t call us to shame anyone; but to build them up—often by taking them down “a notch.” The Gospel doesn’t call us to “play nice,” but to “faith expressing itself in love” (Gal.5:6). Sometimes loving well involves receiving and giving “severe mercy.”
Help us Jesus, big time. Teach us how to receive feedback humbly, non-defensively, and gratefully. And teach us how to give feedback clearly, firmly, and lovingly. May our love for you always be bigger than our fear of people, fear of “boat-rocking”—fear of losing a job or friendship.
Some of us need to humble ourselves, and seek feedback from peers, bosses, and others. Free us, Jesus. Some of us need to find courage to give feedback to peers, bosses, and others. Free us even more, Jesus. So Very Amen.
