How should Job 32:13 influence our approach to resolving conflicts within the church? Setting the Verse in Context “ So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ ” (Job 32:13) Elihu rebukes Job’s three friends for presuming they alone possess the right answer. He insists that ultimate vindication belongs to God, not human debate. Key Principles Drawn from Job 32:13 • Humility: Human insight is limited; God alone speaks with final authority. • Dependence on God’s voice: Resolution must flow from what God says, not from clever argumentation. • Guarded speech: Avoid claiming, “We have found wisdom,” as though our perspective is unassailable. • Expectation of divine intervention: Trust that God will clarify truth in His timing. How These Principles Shape Conflict Resolution in the Church • Begin with Scripture, not opinions—God’s Word is the court of appeal (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Approach disagreements as fellow learners, not rival experts (James 1:19). • Create space for God’s corrective work—prayer, fasting, and patient listening. • Resist the urge to “win” an argument; aim to discern God’s verdict. • Let God’s character—the One who “refutes” justly—set the tone: gentle, truthful, impartial. Practical Steps for Peacemakers 1. Search the Scriptures together before voicing conclusions. 2. Ask, “What does God’s Word plainly teach?” rather than, “How can I defend my view?” 3. Invite mature, unbiased believers to help weigh the matter (Proverbs 11:14). 4. Submit all perspectives to the test of godly wisdom: • Pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy (James 3:17). 5. If resolution stalls, trust God to vindicate truth over time; avoid forcing closure that sidelines conscience. 6. Keep the unity of the Spirit “with all humility and gentleness” (Ephesians 4:2-3). Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 3:5-7 — Lean not on your own understanding. • Matthew 18:15-17 — Follow Christ’s step-by-step process for restoration. • Galatians 6:1 — Restore gently, watching yourself. • 1 Peter 5:5-6 — Clothe yourselves with humility; God exalts the humble. • James 4:6-8 — God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Summary Job 32:13 anchors church conflict resolution in humility and reliance on God’s authoritative Word. Rather than declaring, “We have found wisdom,” believers listen first to Scripture, seek God’s vindication, and cultivate a spirit that values unity over personal triumph. |
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