Episode Transcript
[00:00:12] Well, hey, friends, it's been so great to be with you this week. On the weekday podcast, we've been thinking a lot about conflict, and today I want to think about this idea of not going it alone. In Matthew 18, verse 16, he says this. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses, every fact may be confirmed.
[00:00:32] Now, here's the honest truth. Some conflicts, they don't budge. You've prayed, you've stayed calm, you've spoken truth in love, and still it feels like nothing's moving. That's when it's easy to throw your hands up and say, well, I tried. But Jesus doesn't stop the process there. Matthew 18 gives us another step. He says, bring someone with you.
[00:00:52] Not to win the argument, not to escalate the tension, but to bring wisdom or maybe clarity or even spiritual maturity to the room. And so the principle I want you to think about today is don't escalate the drama. Elevate the wisdom in the room. Because in Jesus day, this principle is rooted in Jewish law, a matter couldn't be confirmed without two or three witnesses. In our context, this isn't about proving someone wrong. It's about creating the space for grace to show up.
[00:01:18] Sometimes a third voice can reframe the conversation. Sometimes it can bring clarity to what was confused. Or it can diffuse defensiveness that's been built up.
[00:01:27] But this step isn't about ganging up. The point isn't to surround them with your side. It's to invite peace into that space. That's why who you bring matters. Choose people who are spiritually mature. Pick those who have relational wisdom, not just loyalty to you. Avoid people who want gossip, sides, or revenge. And invite voices that carry grace and truth.
[00:01:50] Handling conflict the Jesus way doesn't mean doing it alone. It actually means doing it in community.
[00:01:56] Now, sometimes that third voice may be a mutual friend. It could be a trusted mentor or a small group leader.
[00:02:02] Sometimes it's a counselor, Sometimes it's a pastor. Whoever it is, their role is not to dominate the conversation, but to help the real issues come to the surface and the gospel to shape the response. Now, you'd be surprised how often a conflict stuck in isolation can start to thaw in the presence of a wise voice. When people feel heard or validated or safe, their hearts begin to soften. But this also takes courage. It means being willing to say, we need help. It means admitting you can't always fix it yourself. And in our pride, driven world that feels like weakness. But in the kingdom of God, it's wisdom. Peacemaking. It's often a team sport. So maybe as you go into the weekend, the next step in your conflict isn't another solo conversation. Maybe it's inviting someone in who can hold space for both truth and grace. So don't quit too soon. Don't walk away before you've explored the gift of community. Because sometimes the most spiritual thing you can say is, can we bring someone in? Well, it's been a joy to be with you all week long. If this is helpful, if you don't mind, consider sharing it with a friend. Posting on social media. Our goal is to encourage even more people. And I'm telling you, conflict is one of those things. Every one of us, myself included, could use a little more encouragement. And hey, if this was helpful, if you don't mind, drop me a line@bobby sugarhillchurch.com and I would love to hear from you. Have a great day. We'll see you back here soon.
