Solving Our Conflict with God – Gary Petty churchofgodnetwork.org

The notion that God accepts us as we are and allows us to remain unchanged is false. Our inherent hostility towards God and our inability to submit to His ways ultimately prevent true inner peace without reconciliation. Our hostile nature is often translated in The Old Testament as “abomination,” which means behaviors and attitudes detestable to God. Behaviors described as such include idolatry, homosexuality, witchcraft, and pride. Dysfunctional conflicts result from our corrupted human nature, leading to pride, anger, selfishness, and abuse, all of which result in damaging relationships. Changing our hostile nature and reconciling with others necessitate first reconciling with God.

Originally made in God’s image, humanity rebelled, leading to a corrupted nature and suffering. Revelation reveals the purpose of humans: to become God’s children. Seeking reconciliation with His wayward children, God bridged the gap through Jesus Christ, who died as a substitute sacrifice, paying the penalty for our sins. Desiring a relationship with us, God extended His love and forgiveness while we were still hostile. Responding to God’s love and forgiveness allows us to escape the death penalty of sin, to be reconciled with God, and to resolve spiritual conflict. God’s grace doesn’t nullify either His law or justice, but rather demonstrates them both through Christ’s sacrifice, enabling a relationship with Him.

This reconciliation with God enables us to fix the root causes of conflict and engage in peacemaking with others. Understanding and embracing God’s plan for reconciliation leads to genuine inner peace and becoming part of His family, living according to His ways, and fostering harmonious relationships. Through God’s plan, we can experience profound inner peace and become agents of peacemaking, extending God’s love to others.