Wisdom In Conflict
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” - Matthew 18:15
Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but how we handle it reveals our character and can either destroy relationships or make them stronger.
Jesus gives us a clear process for handling conflict: go directly to the person involved, keep it private initially, and focus on restoration rather than punishment. This requires courage because it is easier to avoid confrontation or to talk to everyone except the person we have a problem with. But wisdom says that unresolved conflict only gets worse with time.
The goal is not to win an argument but to "gain your brother." This means we approach conflict with a heart of love, seeking understanding and restoration. We speak the truth in love, listen with empathy, and work toward a solution that honors God and preserves the relationship.
I once had a conflict with a fellow pastor that could have destroyed our friendship and damaged our churches. Instead of talking to others about it or letting bitterness grow, I went directly to him. The conversation was difficult, but it revealed misunderstandings on both sides. We were able to work through the issues, and our friendship became stronger as a result. That experience taught me the value of addressing conflict quickly and directly.
If you have an unresolved conflict with someone, take the first step toward resolution today. Pray for wisdom and courage, then reach out to that person with a heart focused on restoration rather than being right.
Prayer:
Lord, give me wisdom and courage to handle conflict in a way that honors You. Help me speak the truth in love, listen with empathy, and work toward restoration rather than just being right. When I am hurt or angry, remind me that relationships are more important than winning arguments. Use conflict to make me more like Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but how we handle it reveals our character and can either destroy relationships or make them stronger.
Jesus gives us a clear process for handling conflict: go directly to the person involved, keep it private initially, and focus on restoration rather than punishment. This requires courage because it is easier to avoid confrontation or to talk to everyone except the person we have a problem with. But wisdom says that unresolved conflict only gets worse with time.
The goal is not to win an argument but to "gain your brother." This means we approach conflict with a heart of love, seeking understanding and restoration. We speak the truth in love, listen with empathy, and work toward a solution that honors God and preserves the relationship.
I once had a conflict with a fellow pastor that could have destroyed our friendship and damaged our churches. Instead of talking to others about it or letting bitterness grow, I went directly to him. The conversation was difficult, but it revealed misunderstandings on both sides. We were able to work through the issues, and our friendship became stronger as a result. That experience taught me the value of addressing conflict quickly and directly.
If you have an unresolved conflict with someone, take the first step toward resolution today. Pray for wisdom and courage, then reach out to that person with a heart focused on restoration rather than being right.
Prayer:
Lord, give me wisdom and courage to handle conflict in a way that honors You. Help me speak the truth in love, listen with empathy, and work toward restoration rather than just being right. When I am hurt or angry, remind me that relationships are more important than winning arguments. Use conflict to make me more like Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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