Respond in Grace, Respond as One For GIVEN

God has called us through Grace to REPENT. To repent is to rethink your thinking using God's kindness. One can’t repent unless they have the Grace to repent; otherwise, repentance becomes shame and condemnation.

"And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19

To repent is to take a deeper look at our thinking… and, if we find apparent errors, turn from our mistakes. Repentance means we are ready to grow.

Through the For GIVEN Life of Jesus Christ, we have been For GIVEN the Grace to remove all bitterness, discouragement, and offense.

"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7

We have been For GIVEN Jesus’ humility, wisdom, and love. Yes, Jesus has given us His love to love others, especially our enemies. We lack nothing.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN CHRIST," Ephesians 1:3

Jesus has given us the Grace to forgive everyone who has ever hurt us, and to For GIVE everyone BEFORE they hurt us. By Grace, we can live the For GIVEN Life, forgiving everyone and everything, even before they hurt us.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:7

Jesus, through His For GIVENESS, has given us the ability to respond automatically to every trial, tribulation, betrayal, and hateful experience with LOVE. Jesus, through His For GIVEN Grace, will transform us so that we can only respond with LOVE, because that is all we are capable of.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)." Ephesians 2:4-5

Jesus came to teach and empower us to love our enemies and serve those who persecute and hate us. He came to show us that we should wash the feet of our enemies, those who will betray us. Jesus had only one response: self-giving love and radical generosity.

"and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

Jesus sent us His Holy Spirit with His same measure of Grace so we can be transformed into His image. Jesus uses afflictions, character assassinations, and attacks from darkness to transform us through Grace FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

We all go through trials and tribulations; it is guaranteed. The question remains, “How do we respond when people say mean things about us? How do we love those who persecute us, who use us, and who say all kinds of evil about us?”

Conflict Resolution - Why is There Conflict?

What is conflict but selfishness, self-centeredness, and self-will? Conflict arises when we shun Grace and seek our own will, our way.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Even though we have been forgiven of all our sins, conflict happens when we forget. Conflict occurs when we forget we have been fully forgiven for every sin, fault, flaw, and failure, and then we hold others accountable for their single sin, fault, flan, and failure.

“so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:7- 8

Until Jesus comes with His full Kingdom, there will be conflict on Earth. There is no more conflict in Heaven; there is only Grace and Peace. Jesus’ Kingdom is coming; it is almost here. Until He comes, we will find conflict daily, constantly–it is guaranteed. RESPOND IN LOVE BY GRACE.

We Will All Face Trials; It’s All About How We Respond That Matters

Jesus has promised us to be our teacher, leader, and shepherd and show us THE WAY to live fully in His Kingdom now. Jesus has promised to teach us everything; only ask.

"For HE RESCUED us from the DOMAIN OF DARKNESS, and TRANSFERED US to the KINGDOM OF HIS BELOVED SON, in whom WE HAVE REDEMPTION, the FORGIVENESS OF SINS." Colossians 1:13-14

The fact is we face conflict before getting out of bed each day. The real question is, “How do we deal with conflict? Do we trust Jesus and His free gift of Grace, the For GIVEN Life? Or, do we insist on always getting everything our way?”

"Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27

By Grace, we are empowered to take on the sins of our brothers and sisters. That means we can For GIVE them before the sin against us. It is possible by Grace. We do not have to take offense or even be offended. Through Jesus’ teaching, we can learn to respond to every criticism with love and For GIVENNESS–every time as if by design.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-30

By Grace, Jesus can teach us to respond IN LOVE whenever we are misunderstood, mistaken, or even an unprovoked frontal attack. We can, by Grace, live the For GIVEN life of Jesus Christ.

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

Jesus died on the cross 2,000 years ago. He For GAVE me of every sin before I was born, before the foundation of the world. How can I not forgive everyone for every sin, too?

"Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need." Hebrews 4:16

By Grace, we can live the FOR GIVEN life IN CHRIST. This means no more conflict resolution because conflicts are solved before they happen!

The Conflict Resolution Loop

We resolve every conflict by handing it over to Jesus. When conflict arises, we confess it, confess our weaknesses, and ask for Grace.

"To those who have RECEIVED A FAITH of the same kind as ours, by THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of our God and Savior, JESUS CHRIST: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in THE KNOWLEDGE of GOD and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that HIS DIVINE POWER has granted to us EVERYTHING pertaining to LIFE and GODLINESS, through the TRUE KNOWLEDGE of HIM who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has GRANTED TO US His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them YOU MAY BECOME PARTAKERS of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” 2 Peter 1:1-4

Jesus showed us how to wash the feet of our enemies… he did it by Grace. By Grace, as each conflict arises, in prayer, confess it, hand it over to Jesus, and ask for His Grace to endure, persevere, and wait on Him in patience, trusting Him to resolve the conflict, giving Glory to His name.

In prayer, every conflict you give to Jesus will advance you by Grace–it is a free gift that brings Glory to God.

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give!” Jesus commanded us to love one another. Jesus gave us all the Grace we would ever need to do it. He gave us His For GIVEN Grace before the foundation of the world–SO USE IT!

"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7

Jesus came to teach us how to love our enemies, those who hurt us in various ways. If we love our enemies, how can there be conflict? B Grace, hand over every conflict as it arises, trusting God to use it to glorify Himself. He will resolve it better than you can ever think or imagine.

"who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:6

Jesus taught us to PRAISE THE LORD ALWAYS and IN ALL THINGS. Knowing the For GIVEN Life, Jesus instructed us to praise Him in all things, in all trials, and for everything–even in the betrayals.

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Jesus taught us to consider it all joy when we face various trials. So, how can we complain when we face trials? Jesus did not complain about Judas or Peter. Instead, He washed their feet.

And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues." 1 Corinthians 12:28

Jesus taught us to deny ourselves and give up ALL OUTCOMES to Him. He taught us to trust Him in everything and for everything. He taught us to cast ALL our cares before Him. He said, FEAR NOT!

"if indeed you have heard of the administration of God’s grace which was given to me for you;" Ephesians 3:2

Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. That means He expects us to love unconditionally, including our enemies. Jesus knows we can’t do it, so He did it for us. By Grace, Jesus provided us the For GIVENESS to unconditionally love our enemies–now use it!

"I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus," 1 Corinthians 1:4

Jesus taught us how to stand firm in Faith, trusting God’s Grace, especially in the fiery trials of life. Jesus taught us to put on His armor of Grace and JUST STAND. That means trusting Him with every outcome. That means we don’t bitch, moan, or complain, especially about other believers.

“For it is for this we labor and strive because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” 1 Timothy 4:10

Jesus has GIVEN us everything we need to face every trial. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ—not even ourselves.

"Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21-22

Jesus, by Grace, has For GIVEN us the ability to humble ourselves, confess our sins and weaknesses, deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him.

"....your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray:“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your KINGDOM come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ ” Matthew 6:8-13

Conflict resolution is transformative when seen through the lens of Jesus's teachings. By embracing the principles of grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love, we align ourselves with the divine wisdom exemplified by Jesus Christ.

"Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,“ The KINGDOM of the world has become the KINGDOM of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

The Word of God urges us to relinquish our self-will and surrender to God's will, trusting in His grace to guide us through every conflict. Through this surrender, we find resolution and experience profound spiritual growth and alignment with the Kingdom of God.

"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also." Colossians 3:13

Ultimately, conflict resolution by Jesus is not merely about finding a solution to external disputes but about an internal transformation of the heart.

"Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the KINGDOM of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.” Revelation 12:10

As we embrace Jesus's teachings and embody His spirit of love and forgiveness, we transcend the limitations of human conflict and enter a state of divine harmony. Through this inner transformation, we become true ambassadors of peace, reflecting our Savior's grace and compassion to a world in need.

“Therefore if anyone is IN CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATURE; the old things passed away; behold, NEW THINGS HAVE COME.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Conflict resolution by Jesus is a testament to the transformative power of grace and love. By surrendering our will to the divine wisdom of Christ, we transcend conflict and embody the principles of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Through this journey, we not only find resolution in our external disputes but also experience a profound spiritual awakening, aligning ourselves with the Kingdom of God and becoming instruments of His peace in a world needing healing and restoration.