Bridge Builders
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the full sermon here.
Preached by Pastor Mike Woodard
Follow The Valley Church
Today, we conclude our series Better Together, exploring the power of biblical community. This week, we tackle a topic we often avoid: conflict.
Conflict is inevitable. Everyone experiences it—whether with a friend, family member, or coworker. The real issue isn’t conflict itself, but how we respond to it. Handled well, conflict can actually strengthen relationships and reveal the character of those involved.
Conflict Isn’t the Problem—How We Handle It Is
Many couples say, “We never fight,” but avoiding conflict can be dangerous. Real growth comes when conflict is addressed with love, humility, and patience. Avoidance often prolongs pain, while facing challenges head-on can lead to reconciliation and peace.
Even small conflicts can teach us. One humorous example: my sons had a disagreement over a broken action figure. While it seems trivial, the way they navigated forgiveness and apology illustrated an important truth: conflict handled poorly can burn bridges, but conflict handled well can build them.
Biblical Example: Philemon, Onesimus, and Paul
The book of Philemon offers a blueprint for resolving conflict and building bridges in our relationships. Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, had a servant named Onesimus who stole from him and fled. Onesimus met Paul in Rome, came to faith in Christ, and Paul then wrote to Philemon to reconcile the two men.
Paul’s approach shows us three essential steps for handling conflict:
Confront the conflict with love. Paul didn’t gossip or take sides; he approached Philemon with humility and compassion. Conflict magnifies character—it reveals what is already in our hearts.
Identify God’s hand in the situation. Paul recognized that Onesimus’ journey and conversion could have been orchestrated by God for a greater purpose. Conflict can be an opportunity for growth, learning, and reflection.
Reconcile and make it right. Paul encouraged Philemon to welcome Onesimus back not as a servant but as a beloved brother. True resolution elevates both parties and restores community.
Living Out Reconciliation
The story of Onesimus reflects the Gospel. Just as Paul interceded for Onesimus, Jesus intercedes for us. We were once separated from God by sin, but Christ built a bridge through His death and resurrection, reconciling humanity to the Father.
Corrie ten Boom’s story further illustrates this principle. After surviving a concentration camp during WWII, she forgave a former guard responsible for her sister’s death. Her act of forgiveness mirrored the Gospel, showing that reconciliation is a choice of the will, not merely an emotion.
Takeaways: Building Bridges Today
Start by remembering the ultimate bridge Christ built for you. Then, identify someone in your life you need to forgive, confront in love, or reconcile with. Boundaries may still be necessary, but unforgiveness only weighs us down. Building relational bridges reflects God’s love, brings peace to our souls, and strengthens the community of believers.
Conflict is unavoidable, but handled in a God-honoring way, it can transform relationships and reveal the depth of God’s grace in our lives. Let’s choose to forgive, reconcile, and build bridges as Jesus did.