Sunday, December 15, 2019

Resolve Conflict

Conflict with others is a part of life. Anyone expecting to avoid all conflict will be disappointed. Even Jesus was unable to avoid conflict with others. Let's face it, conflict is part of life. How do you resolve conflict with others?

Where it is possible, seek reconciliation with others you have had conflict. Ask God to give you an opportunity for reconciliation. Often we need to forgive others who have done wrong to us. Likewise, we may need to ask others to forgive us. Forgiveness leads to reconciliation.

God seeks reconciliation with us. Sin is our conflict with God. He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. The cross is God's sign of reconciliation with all who are in conflict with Him. "Be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).

After you have done all you can to resolve conflict with others, give it to God in prayer. His providence may give you an opportunity in the future to restore the relationship. However, if that's not possible, let go of any anger or bitterness you may have.

"And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiving others comes only from a tender heart. And, a tender heart comes only from a relationship with God through Christ.