text: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” JOHN 13:34-35
  As believers in Christ, we are welcomed into a new relationship with Jesus and an intimate relationship with other believers! In Christ, we have become brothers and sisters, members of a single family. In Christ, our relationship with each other is suddenly more intimate than any human relationship has ever been! A closeness of relationship with God and with each other.
  This love that marks the church, is a witness to the world that Jesus is real. Only Jesus’ living presence can explain such love for others. So why do we have niggles and problems with our brothers and sisters in Christ?
  CHURCH DISAGREEMENTS ARE THEOLOGICAL
  There is no doubt that church niggles and conflicts can be caused by a range of factors, but ultimately, church problems stem from a fundamental theological issue. A difference in understanding of who God is, and what He requires of His people. Reconciliation requires finding out with is the theological issue at the heart of our disagreement.
  CHURCH DISAGREEMENTS ARE ABOUT LEADERSHIP, CHARACTER AND COMMUNITY!
  Reconciliation requires leadership. How leaders respond to disagreements will always determine if there is reconciliation. Church niggles also reveals who we are. It reveals the true character of a person and the true nature of the community of believers.
  CHURCH CONFLICT IS NEVER ABOUT WHO IS RIGHT AND WHO IS WRONG!
  In any niggle or disagreement, each person is often anxious to be heard, to tell their story. We often want to make sure others know who is right and who is wrong. The simple answer is we are all wrong. The gospel says we are all wrong!
  CONFLICT IS A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP!
  All disagreements or conflicts involve broken relationships. This might be relationship between a person and God or between people. Reconciliation is how those broken relationships are restored. This is made possible by Christ.
  CONFLICT IS A SPIRITUAL COLLISION!
  All problems and conflicts to some degree, are about spiritual warfare (EPHESIANS 6:12). They are often about unresolved or unreconciled spiritual issues in an individual or between individuals. Because we are relational and spiritual beings, all Christians will face problems and conflict. We should not be surprised by it.
  CONFLICT IS AN OPPORTUNITY!
  Problems and disagreements are necessary for God to shape us. It is an opportunity to trust God to be transformative and bring peace and to reveal God's work in us for the world to see.