How can we apply Moses' example of intervention in our daily conflicts? Setting the Scene: Acts 7:26 “The next day he appeared to them as they were fighting and tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you hurt each other?’” Moses’ Model of Intervention • Moses notices conflict instead of ignoring it (Exodus 2:13–14). • He enters the tension personally—no delegation, no delay. • He appeals to relationship (“brothers”) before addressing behavior. • His goal is reconciliation, not merely stopping the fight. Principles We Can Apply 1. Recognize Conflict Early • Proverbs 17:14—“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” • Stay alert to brewing tension at home, work, or church; address small sparks before they become wildfires. 2. Affirm Shared Identity • Romans 12:5—“So in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.” • Reminding people of their common ground—family bond, shared faith, team goal—softens hearts. 3. Approach with Humble Courage • Galatians 6:1—“Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness.” • Courage: stepping in when silence feels safer. • Humility: refusing harsh tones or superiority. 4. Use Peace-Building Words • Proverbs 15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” • Moses asks a question (“Why do you hurt each other?”) that invites reflection instead of accusation. • Replace blame language (“You always…”) with curiosity and concern (“Help me understand…”). 5. Stand Against Wrongdoing • Isaiah 1:17—“Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor.” • Intervention isn’t passive; if someone is being harmed, speak up and protect. 6. Expect Misunderstanding, Stay Faithful • Acts 7:27 shows one combatant rejecting Moses: “Who appointed you ruler and judge over us?” • Even godly peacemakers face pushback. Matthew 5:9 promises blessing, not universal applause. 7. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Personal Skill • 2 Chronicles 20:15—“The battle is not yours, but God’s.” • Pray for wisdom before stepping in (James 1:5). • Trust the Spirit to soften hearts you cannot reach. Daily Action Steps • Pause: Ask the Lord to make you alert to conflicts around you. • Prepare: Store up gentle, Scripture-saturated words before crises come. • Step In: Move toward strife with humility and courage, affirming shared identity. • Speak: Ask clarifying, peace-seeking questions; avoid loaded accusations. • Support: Stay with the process until true reconciliation or appropriate boundaries are set. • Surrender: Leave final outcomes to God, confident that faithful intervention honors Him. |
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