But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)
| A Harmless
Conflict (?) by Cathy Vinson |
This ( the verses at
left) decribes an absolute deliverance: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo emerge from the
raging fire. Not even the smell of smoke lingered upon them. We sure do not seem to emerge
from conflicts this way. Conflicts seem to allow every opportunity to be singed, burned
and smell of bitterness. Paul however speaks of a rebuke and hurtful situation in which
"they were not harmed in ANY way" (2 Cor 7:9). What is Paul saying? What does God see then as harm? In a previous letter (we have no record of) with stern, unflinching rebuke, apparently very emotional, Paul had "hurt" the Corinthian church (2 Cor 7:8). They felt bad. The letter sat at their feet, and Paul couldn't change the tone of the words written down. They could remain hurt. Doesn't that mean wounds and scars? At first perhaps "Well who does he think he is?" was heard. But in unresolution, time lapsed and did a work. Sorrow began to grow in hearts which led to repentance leaving for them "no regret," "no hurt in any way." They had been rebuked, hurt and grieved, but God had intentions for this unresolved conflict. If we are in any relationship, misunderstandings will come. Fire is dangerous, but it is helpful to realize there is a way to emerge unharmed. God can burrow a sorrow toward repentance in the unrelief a lack of closure offers. We hate conflicts. Though, God can work where we cannot see. It can be a testing ground to see how devoted we really are (2 Cor 7:12), and perhaps there is no harm in that. . |
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| "the fire had not
harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed, their robes were not scorched,
and there was no smell of fire on them" (Dan 3:27; cf Is 43:2) |
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