Conflict Resolution

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 -  Thursday

Conflict Resolution

Principles of Peaceful Communication (Joshua 22)

The story of Joshua 22 is much more than an ancient dispute between tribes—it is a living illustration of how God’s people are called to communicate, relate, and preserve unity without compromising truth. As tensions flare between the tribes west of the Jordan and the two-and-a-half tribes in the east, Scripture reveals a pattern for how believers today can navigate misunderstanding, suspicion, and conflict within families, churches, and communities.

1. Communicate Early—Don’t Let Concerns Explode Later

When something seems wrong, the natural instinct is either to withdraw or to let frustration simmer. But Scripture shows us a better way: talk. The western tribes’ concern was real, but their lack of early communication caused fear to swell unnecessarily. And the eastern tribes—though acting with good intentions—might have prevented the entire episode had they simply shared their plans beforehand.

Healthy relationships require proactive, open conversation. Silence breeds suspicion. Transparency builds trust. God’s people are not called to indifference but to engaged, patient dialogue.

2. Slow Down—Don’t Jump to Conclusions

The western tribes heard a rumor and immediately believed the worst. They assumed rebellion, apostasy, and betrayal—without a single conversation. Their hearts outran the facts.

How often do we do the same? We hear a fragment of a story, observe something from afar, or interpret someone’s behavior through our own fears—and we fill in the blanks with the darkest possibilities. God calls us to pause, pray, and investigate before forming conclusions. “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Proverbs 18:13).

3. Discuss Problems Before Acting on Assumptions

Talk first. Act second. This is wisdom for every sphere of life—marriage, friendships, church leadership, or workplace challenges. Unspoken assumptions lead to unnecessary conflict. Joshua 22 teaches us that problems—real or perceived—must be addressed through conversation before any action is taken.

4. Be Willing to Sacrifice for the Sake of Unity

The western tribes, even in their fear, were willing to offer part of their land if distance from the tabernacle was causing the eastern tribes to drift spiritually. This was no small offer—it signified love, humility, and a deep desire for unity among God’s people.

True unity always costs something—time, comfort, preference, pride. But the price is worth paying. Unity built on humility reflects the heart of Christ Himself.

5. Give a Gentle Answer—Even When Accused

The response of the eastern tribes stands as one of the most beautiful moments in the passage. Under the sting of false accusation, their reply was gentle, measured, and humble. They sought understanding rather than victory. They explained their motives without anger or self-defense.

Proverbs 15:1 echoes loudly here: “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Counter-accusations only deepen wounds. Gentle answers open hearts.

6. Rejoice When Peace Is Restored

When the truth emerged and the misunderstanding cleared, Israel rejoiced. There was no sulking, no embarrassment, no lingering defensiveness—only gratitude that unity had been preserved. Pride did not prevent them from admitting their error.

This is maturity. This is grace. And this is the spirit of Christ within His people.

Truth and Unity—Both Matter

Joshua 22 ends with a needed reminder: if genuine apostasy had been occurring, Israel would have acted according to the covenant. Unity is precious, but it must never come at the cost of truth. At the same time, truth and discipline should never be the starting point. God calls His people to patient reconciliation, careful communication, and pastoral guidance before corrective action is ever considered.

Imagine how different our congregations and families would look if we practiced these principles consistently—communicating early, listening humbly, avoiding hasty assumptions, valuing unity, offering gentle answers, and rejoicing whenever peace is restored. This is the way of wisdom. This is the way of love.

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Prayer

Father, teach us the way of peace. Guard our hearts from rash judgments and quick assumptions. Give us courage to communicate lovingly, patience to listen carefully, and humility to respond gently. Help us value both unity and truth, and guide us to be instruments of reconciliation wherever You have placed us. May our relationships reflect Your grace, and may our homes and churches radiate the peace of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Gentle Answer: A Witness of Wisdom and Peace

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 -  Wednesday

A Gentle Answer

Joshua 22:21–29; Proverbs 15:1; Psalm 37:3–6, 34, 37

Misunderstandings can erupt faster than almost anything else in spiritual community. Even sincere believers sometimes misread motives, assume the worst, or act on incomplete information. But Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to a different way—one marked by patient listening, humility, and a gentle answer.

In Joshua 22:21–29, the two-and-a-half tribes east of the Jordan respond to a serious accusation. Their brothers from the western tribes arrive armed for confrontation, believing the eastern tribes have built an idolatrous altar. Civil war is on the edge of breaking out. But when the eastern tribes finally speak, their answer is neither defensive nor hostile. Instead, they begin with an appeal to God as their witness: “The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth” (v. 22). They calmly explain the purpose of the altar—it is not for sacrifices, but a memorial of unity, a witness between them and the western tribes so future generations would not be cut off from worship at the true altar.

Their response is gentle, humble, and clear. And it completely diffuses the crisis. The situation reminds us of Proverbs 15:1:
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
The eastern tribes lived this truth. They did not match accusation with accusation. They met suspicion with explanation. They overcame tension with transparency.

What We Learn From Their Answer

1. Gentleness is not weakness—it is strength under control.
   The tribes had every reason to feel insulted or threatened, yet they chose to de-escalate. This reveals spiritual maturity and trust in God.

2. Clarification prevents unnecessary conflict.
   The altar was misunderstood. A calm explanation corrected the false assumption and restored unity.

3. Appealing to God’s knowledge keeps your heart humble.
   “The Lord knows” (v. 22) is a powerful reminder that you do not have to vindicate yourself in your own strength. God sees the truth even when others misunderstand you.

Handling False Accusations

Few things sting as deeply as being wrongly accused. But God’s Word provides stabilizing principles for moments like these. When I face false accusations, these truths guide my attitude:

1. Entrust the matter to God first.
   Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Before defending yourself to people, place the whole situation before the Lord.

2. Stay calm and avoid reacting in anger.
   A gentle answer is not natural, but it is powerful. Responding in the flesh usually worsens the conflict, but responding in the Spirit brings peace.

3. Speak truth without hostility.
   Like the eastern tribes, be honest, clear, and respectful. People are more likely to receive your words when you deliver them with humility.

4. Guard your character, not your reputation.
   Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good.” If you continue doing what is right, God will defend your name in His time. Reputation is what others think of you; character is what God knows of you.

5. Wait patiently for the Lord to act.
   “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him… Wait on the Lord, and keep his way” (Ps. 37:7,34). Vindication often comes slowly, but God’s timing is perfect.

6. Seek peace, not victory.
   The goal is not to “win the argument” but to restore unity and honor the Lord.

Psalm 37 ends with a promise:
“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace” (v. 37).
Peace is the fruit of a gentle and godly response.

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Prayer

Lord God of gods, You know the truth in every situation, even when others misunderstand me. Teach me to give a gentle answer, to respond with humility and clarity like the eastern tribes, and to trust in Your perfect justice. Guard my heart from anger, pride, and defensiveness. Help me to commit my ways to You, to trust in You, to keep doing good, and to wait patiently for Your vindication. Make me a peacemaker in moments of tension and a witness of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Haunted by the Past: Strengthened by God’s Grace for the Present

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 -  Tuesday

Haunted by the Past

Scripture Focus: Joshua 22:13–15; Numbers 25

“And when the other children of Israel heard of it, the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh to go to war against them… And the children of Israel sent to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and with him ten princes of the tribes of Israel, one prince of a tribe: And they came to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh… and they accused the children of Reuben and the children of Gad.” (Joshua 22:13–15, KJV)

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Remembering the Past

The Israelites’ reaction to the altar built by the Transjordanian tribes is deeply rooted in their collective memory of past sins. Numbers 25 recounts how Israel sinned grievously through idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor. That incident led to God’s judgment, and Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, zealously executed God’s judgment, stopping a plague that had already claimed thousands. Similarly, Achan’s sin in Joshua 7, in taking forbidden spoils at Jericho, had brought national consequences, bringing defeat and mourning to Israel.

Because of these memories, the Israelites are understandably vigilant and cautious. The appointment of Phinehas to head the delegation in Joshua 22 is no accident. He represents godly zeal, discernment, and a direct connection to God’s holiness. The leaders wanted someone whose integrity and courage would ensure that any possible rebellion or idolatry could be confronted wisely and decisively. The past sins of Achan and the Baal Peor incident haunted them, and they feared that unchecked disobedience might invite the wrath of God upon the entire nation once again.

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How the Past Shapes Us

Like the Israelites, we often carry the weight of past experiences. Past betrayals, failures, or the consequences of sin—our own or others’—can haunt us. They shape our expectations, fears, and responses to current situations. In the same way the Israelites feared the potential consequences of rebellion, we can become overly cautious, suspicious, or judgmental in dealing with others, projecting the pain of the past onto the present.

Yet God’s grace invites us to respond differently. While memory can teach, grace allows us to act in faith rather than fear. Through Christ, we are not bound by the failures of our history. His example shows us a path of mercy, understanding, and reconciliation.

• Jesus showed grace in dealing with sinners despite their pasts. Consider the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). The crowd was haunted by her past, ready to condemn, yet Jesus reminded them of God’s mercy and redirected their hearts toward repentance, not punishment.

• In Luke 5:27–32, Jesus called Levi, a tax collector despised for his past, to follow Him. He did not allow past sins to define future potential.

Grace allows us to love our neighbors without letting past mistakes—our own or theirs—control our actions. God’s Spirit enables discernment and humility: we can remain cautious without being judgmental, wise without being harsh, and faithful without being fearful.

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Reflection

• Are there past hurts or fears that make you overly critical of others?

• How can God’s grace help you respond with love instead of suspicion or condemnation?

• Are there “Phinehas moments” in your life where God calls you to act with courage but also with compassion?

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your patience with us when our past mistakes haunt us. Forgive us for letting fear, anger, or bitterness from past experiences shape how we treat others today. Teach us to lean on Your grace, to see others as You see them, and to act with love, mercy, and wisdom. Help us to remember that Your Spirit empowers us to break free from the chains of our past, so that we may foster unity and righteousness in our relationships. Guide our hearts, Lord, to respond with understanding, not suspicion, and to seek Your truth above all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Accusations: Judging and Misjudging Others

   Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 -  Monday

Accusations

Joshua 22:9–20 records one of the most tense and dramatic moments in Israel’s early life in the Promised Land. After seven years of fighting alongside their brothers, the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh returned to their homes east of the Jordan. But as soon as they arrived, they built a large altar by the river—an action that immediately alarmed the western tribes.

The West Jordan tribes quickly concluded that their brothers had abandoned the Lord. They accused them of rebellion, idolatry, and breaking faith with God and the nation. They even referenced past national sins—Peor and Achan—warning that the whole nation could again suffer because of the unfaithfulness of a few. Their concerns were not entirely baseless: Israel had indeed suffered devastating consequences when individuals sinned in the past. Because of this history, their fears had some foundation.

Yet the way the situation unfolded shows how easily misunderstandings can escalate into full-blown accusations. The religious leaders—Joshua, Eleazar, and the high priest—had not been consulted before the East Jordan tribes built the altar. A simple conversation at the beginning could have avoided much tension and near civil war. But instead, suspicion grew quickly, and the western tribes prepared for conflict before asking a single question.

Jesus and Paul both warn us about this very danger. Jesus says, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged” (Luke 6:37) and “judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Paul likewise cautions, “Judge nothing before the time… until the Lord come” (1 Corinthians 4:5). These teachings remind us that our perspective is limited, our assumptions are often flawed, and only God sees motives clearly.

Why do we jump to wrong conclusions so quickly? Because past hurts shape present fears. Because our pride tells us we already understand the full story. Because it feels easier to assume the worst than to patiently seek the truth. But Scripture calls us to humility, careful listening, and grace—to give others the benefit of the doubt instead of letting suspicion shape our relationships.

Prayer:
Lord, keep us from the sin of rash judgment. Teach us to pause, listen, and seek understanding before we assume the worst about others. Give us Christlike patience, humility, and love so that our relationships may reflect Your grace. Heal the divisions caused by misunderstandings and make us people who pursue peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Commitment: Faithful Through the Divide

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 11 -  Sunday

Commitment

Joshua 22:1–8 presents a powerful picture of commitment displayed by the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. Though their inheritance lay east of the Jordan River, far from the main body of Israel, these tribes had promised Moses that they would not rest until their brothers were settled in the land. And they kept that promise. For six to seven years, they fought shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of Israel, refusing to return home until every tribe had received its inheritance. Their loyalty was not half-hearted; it was costly, patient, and unified.

Their example reminds us that genuine commitment requires perseverance—even when our personal interests could easily pull us away. These tribes could have said, “We already have our land; why should we stay?” But they valued unity over convenience. They understood that God’s people stand or fall together.

Today, we face our own “Jordan Rivers”—barriers and divisions between people, backgrounds, denominations, cultures, and convictions. Christians and non-Christians often seem separated by misunderstandings, hurts, or assumptions. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls us to serve with wholehearted devotion, remembering that “with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” (Ephesians 6:7), and “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). At the deepest level, we are working for God, not simply for people or institutions. This truth strengthens our resolve when challenges come.