Conflict is part of life. We all wrestle with a variety inner conflicts as well as have to deal with external conflicts—with other people, situations and circumstances—daily. Some conflicts are big; some are small. Some seem insignificant; some consume us.
Reality is, ALL types of conflict should require attention. In one way or another they disturb our equilibrium—our shalom (peace, welfare, state of wholeness) with God. Why?
RELEVANCE
From God’s perspective, you were designed to live in a state of harmony with your Creator God. Inner and outer forms of conflict disturb that state of wholeness. Sometimes we are aware; and thus respond and express that awareness consciously through our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. At other times we’re not quite sure why we act the way we do; or how to deal with it.
Truly, we are complicated beings. We were designed that way. The world is also a complicated place. God ordained it to be so. That likewise means that your Designer holds the deepest and most relevant keys to life’s solutions.
Humanity’s challenge is tapping into the resources of our Creator. We’ve been given some Divine Instructions (God’s Word) and the Divine Faculty (Holy Spirit) to do so. How we interpret, discern and apply those instructions and faculties is the issue.
God warned us through the prophet, Isaiah, that His thoughts are not our thoughts, but higher; and His ways are not our ways, but higher (Isaiah 55:8-9). The apostle Paul revealed, however, that “God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).
So aligning with God’s thoughts is a real step towards coming to real peace with God– and others.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.
— Isaiah 26:3-4
REFLECT AND RELATE
Real conflict resolution encompasses humility and integrity and honors God. It leads to a transaction; one where two agree and come to shalom—by giving and gaining something of value.
How do you typically come to the table?
How do you engage—with God and one another?
What expectations do you typically have?
Do you seek a win-win solution or to just satisfy your interests?
Do you see your opponent as someone to conquer or make peace with?
Do you seek an advantage or come to a mutual benefit?
REFERENCES
Genesis 33