URC Daily Devotion Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.”  What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.  They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
 
Reflection
 
This chapter demonstrates that conflict need not be a source of division or defeat; rather, it can offer a profound opportunity for learning, transformation, and growth within a community when approached constructively.
 
In this passage, we witness the early Church faced with a real and pressing grievance – the Hellenists’ (or Greeks’) widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Instead of brushing the complaint under the carpet, as they may have been tempted to do, or prioritising other pressing issues, the disciples listened with humility and discernment, acknowledging the pain and injustice felt by part of their community.
 
Their response is not to assign blame or escalate tension, but to seek a constructive solution, one that honours the needs and dignity of all. They call the community together in open dialogue, invite participation, and empower others by delegating responsibility to those “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” This act of trust not only addresses the immediate conflict but also broadens leadership, strengthens bonds, and models inclusion. The laying on of hands becomes a symbol of unity and blessing, reaffirming that everyone has a role in the shared life of faith.
 
The outcome is remarkable: the word of God spreads, the community flourishes, and even former opponents are drawn into fellowship. 
 
This passage invites us to reflect upon our own responses to conflicts and grievances, to see it not as a threat but as an invitation to listen, to adapt, and to co-create a more just and loving community. When we choose to respond to division with creativity, humility, and shared purpose, conflict becomes the soil in which reconciliation and new life can grow.
 
May we, too, have the wisdom to listen deeply, the courage to act justly, and the faith to believe that our conflicts can be transformed into new beginnings.
 
Prayer
 
God of wisdom and compassion,
guide our hearts to listen with humility and respond with grace.
Help us embrace conflict as an opportunity to grow in love and unity.
May your Spirit lead us to build bridges, empower others, and seek justice,
so that our community may flourish in peace and faith.
Amen.