Conflict

Conflict

MY QUESTION for GOD

Conflict is unavoidable. Is it possible to honor God even in conflict?

A MOMENT with GOD

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. . . . But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:17, 22-23

You have heard the law that says, “Love your neighbor” and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:43-45

When a ballplayer disagrees with an umpire’s call, a spectacular and entertaining argument sometimes begins. Grown men stand toe-to-toe, faces beet red, veins popping out on their necks as they shout at each other: “I was safe!” “You were out!” “Safe!” “Out!” Since people have differing opinions on everything from sports to politics to religion, conflict seems to be a given in human relationships. The Bible does not hide from the issue of conflict, and it does not condemn all conflict as sinful. From Moses to David to Jesus to Paul, all of the Bible’s greatest figures found themselves in conflict. Disagreements happen. But the manner in which conflicts are resolved is extremely important. Conflict can become the catalyst for developing greater understanding, intimacy, and depth in your relationships, or it can cause anger, bitterness, and broken relationships. When you become a Christian, a new conflict begins inside of you, one that will be a lifelong battle: what you want versus what God wants. Fortunately, you also have the Holy Spirit living in you, and he gives you the tools you need to handle the inner conflict with your sinful nature as well as conflict with others. Over time, you will learn to turn arguments into peace, anger into patience, rage into gentleness, and sinful thoughts and actions into self-control. Even when you’re in the midst of a conflict, a divine moment can occur when others are able to see God rather than anger in you.

DIVINE PROMISE

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9