In this sermon, Pastor Jeremy delves into the roots and destructive nature of conflict, using a unique onion analogy. Just as an onion has layers, conflict has layers that need to be peeled back to uncover its underlying causes of quarrels and fights.
On the surface, conflict manifests as visible arguments. But digging deeper stems from coveting and desiring what others have. This leads people to rely on themselves instead of turning to God. When people pray, it's often with selfish motives, seeking to fulfill their passions rather than aligning with God's will.
At its core, conflict arises from the sin of pride. Pride says, "I deserve this," and "I'm right no matter what." It elevates the self above God. The Bible says God actively opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
However, there is a way out of this destructive cycle. It starts with humility - submitting to God, resisting the devil, repenting of wrongdoing, and mourning over the damage caused by conflict. When we humble ourselves and turn to God, He promises to lift us up and guide us toward resolution.
Pastor Jeremy shares a historical example from his family heritage to illustrate how unresolved conflict escalates with devastating consequences over time. The Proctor and Beck families, both part of the Cherokee nation, ended up in a deadly feud known as the Goingsnake Massacre - all because pride and grievances were left to fester. I
n closing, Pastor Jeremy underscores the unique role of Christians in conflict resolution. We must choose humility, speak well of each other, and trust God as the ultimate judge. While the world will always have conflict, the church, as a beacon of peace, should be different. Humility is not just a starting point for reconciliation but a way of life that reflects God's peace.