Discussing the different kinds of conflict

Waseca First Congregational Church

Conflict is a part of life.  From simple conflicts over dinner plans to complex discussions at work that set the direction for the next phase, we cannot escape conflict.  There is good conflict and then there is bad conflict.

Good conflict is one where we are resolving injustice, calling one another to a holier walk with God, or seeking to restore one another to right relationship with God.  Bad conflict is one where our preferences take advantage of others, we manipulate situations for our advantage, or seek to justify our behaviors to bring us a bit of comfort for a moment.  As followers of Christ, we are called to examine our motivations and actions in light of Scripture and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

There will be times when conflict between family and friends, at work or leisure, at home or elsewhere will directly affect us.  It is in these times that we find out how big our faith really is.  Do we trust that God is at work in the conflict or are we trying to resolve it in our own power?

Jesus told us to remove the plank from our own eye before we try to remove it from others.  We are to examine ourselves and our actions with a clear head and unfiltered view.  We are not to try to justify our behaviors but ask ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit to reveal to us any actions, words, or behaviors that did not reveal God’s love to others.

If there is fault in your actions, then we know we are to seek forgiveness of our sins against others by going to them and confessing in order that we might be restored to right relationship with them.  If God says you are completely justified and righteous in your actions, that there is no plank in your eye, what are we to do in conflict?  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:21-25 to act like Jesus did:

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Once we are in a safe place, where no more harm can come to us, we are not to retaliate, but to wait for God to move.  Trusting that He will heal our past hurts, through His work of the cross, as we forgive those that have harmed us.  Seeking that His justice will come about, be it through the police and courts, the conviction of the Holy Spirit or another way.  Conflict should draw us closer to God and to each other through the work of forgiveness, us seeking to forgive one another and asking God to forgive and teach us better ways to live.

Let us live in Godly righteousness through conflict, seeking to forgive and be forgiven.  If you are living in conflict with others, take time now to ask God to reveal to you any faults, seek to be forgiven by admitting your sins to God and those your harmed, ask God to guide you in the right path to restored relationship with those that you are in conflict with.