How does Acts 7:26 challenge us to address disputes within the church? The Heart of the Passage “ The next day Moses came upon two of them who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’ ” (Acts 7:26) What We Learn from Moses’ Example • He refused to ignore the conflict; he stepped toward it. • He spoke to both parties, not just one side. • He reminded them of their shared relationship (“you are brothers”). • He asked a disarming question that exposed the folly of harming one another. A Call to Peacemaking in the Church • Shared identity in Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13: we are “one body.” • Swift, personal engagement – Matthew 18:15: “go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” • A reconciling posture, not a judging posture – Galatians 6:1: restore “in a spirit of gentleness.” • Words that aim to heal, not win – Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” Practical Steps 1. Notice when tension surfaces; do not assume it will fix itself. 2. Approach both sides privately and humbly. 3. Begin with common ground: “We are family in Christ.” 4. Ask clarifying, peace-oriented questions rather than assigning blame. 5. Encourage repentance where needed and extend forgiveness freely (Colossians 3:13). 6. Pray for unity together and, if necessary, invite respected elders as mediators (Philippians 4:2-3). When Peace Efforts Are Rejected • Moses’ appeal was ignored (Acts 7:27-28). Expect that possibility. • Our responsibility is faithfulness, not outcomes (Romans 12:18). • Keep a soft heart, relinquish bitterness, and entrust justice to God (1 Peter 2:23). Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” • Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • James 3:18: “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” Acts 7:26 challenges us to be proactive, brother-affirming, gentle, and persevering peacemakers—reflecting the Lord who “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). |
    |