Conflict is a fact of life. People have different motives, methods, perspectives, and desires. Some of these are sinful some are not. In fact trying to live a godly life in a sinful world will create conflict. Conflict per se isn't necessarily bad. But we have a problem when conflict stems from, is expressed with, or remains unresolved, because of sinful motives, attitudes, or actions.
God's Word addresses conflict with real practical direction aimed at our motives, attitudes, and actions.
As citizens of that world to come, our work today—whether in our homes, our cities, or around the world—should be to live out and encourage the ideals of that world to come with every fibre of our beings.
Expecting others to live according to your list will make you miserable. And if you live according to their list, you’ll be even more miserable.
Type A people are the ones up front. They motivate and inspire others. Type B people work behind the scenes. They’re the thinkers, with an attention to detail. We may each be a personality type but we’re all created by God for a unique purpose.
If it were possible to make all the wrongs right, it would be so much easier, wouldn’t it? When you’re misunderstood sometimes there’s nothing you can do but let it go.
Misunderstandings can easily lead to broken relationships. Before this happens do your best to come to a resolution. Then graciously forgive. And move on.
We tend to think of teens as the only ones who deal with rebellion and defiance but these tendencies are in all of us, no matter our age.
Now that we’ve considered the action we must take, let’s turn to Galatians 6:1 for a close look at the proper attitude we need. To qualify for helping restore others to the truth, we must first be filled with the Spirit and not controlled by the flesh.
The thing that determines whether the exercise of making judgments is sinful or not is the attitude that accompanies it. Is it done in a humble, loving way or a proud, critical, unloving way?
Someone may be making your life miserable. There may be another situation making you miserable. Whoever or whatever you’re up against there is no wall so strong that God is not stronger. What seems unchangeable is not. God can change hearts. God can change situations. Trust Him for the outcome.
We’re all tempted to get even when we’ve been wronged; our natural reaction is to retaliate. However, a better response extends grace. It not only demonstrates self-control but it shows you don’t take your cues from how the world would respond—but rather from what God wants you to do.
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