Our Example: Christ

Since Jesus is our standard, let’s look at how He responded to conflict:

“For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps. He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips. When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; [when] He was abused and suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but he trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly” (1 Peter 2:21-23, ampc)

When you read these Bible verses, you may think, There’s no way I can be like Jesus when it comes to conflict! I love something our pastor mentioned the other day as he was speaking about that very concept. As he was telling us about our struggle with sin, he said, “You do understand that it’s not okay for you to stay like that.” Remember, we have a transforming God.

How did Christ accomplish loving others? He was reviled and insulted. He was guilty of no sin. His response was not to open His mouth. How did He do that? He trusted Himself and everything to God, His Father, who judges fairly. If you will allow Jesus to do so, He will teach you how to live a new way.

First, we need to realize that quarrels come from within us, as James 4:1-3 explains.

Jesus Christ must be our standard for all things—and most preciously, our greatest adviser for parenting. To keep Jesus as our standard and become like Him, we need to stay connected to Him.

If you are a Christian, the Spirit of God lives in you and is doing things inside your heart that eventually will bud on the outside as actions. As you are yielded to Him, He will begin to produce holiness in your life, and that will help you raise your children for God. I pray that you want your family to experience a life yielded to God and want to bring glory to Him through your life and your family.