God’s Word has some great advice on how to deal with conflict, but it’s not about how to “sink your opponent’s battleship.” But first and foremost, you have to be intentional and proactive.
P – Plan a Peace Conference
Simply put, instead of ignoring the conflict, go to the person with whom you have the conflict and talk about it. But planning a peace conference must begin with prayer. When we are at odds with individuals, go to God for wisdom and clarity before speaking with them.
“God, examine me, know my heart, test my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23lb).
It is healthy for us to ask God to help us understand our mistakes and see our hearts clearly. The battle was half over when we finally confirmed the role we played in the conflict—what we said we did selfishly or helped create conflict. After repenting before God and receiving His forgiveness, we are empowered to ask and extend forgiveness to others with a pure heart.
“If you remember that your brother has something against you, immediately go and reconcile.”Matthew 5:24).
The longer you wait, the harder it will be, and the more courage you will need to take the first step.
E – Empathize
“Pity one another and love one another with kindness and humility.”1 Peter 3:8).
What does it mean to empathize with others? Don’t just plan peace meetings with your husband, wife, co-worker, teen, work partner, or friend. Try to empathize with them as you sit down to discuss them.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, humbly consider others superior to yourself. should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. God did not consider equality with God to be grasped, but took the essence itself and emptied himself. A servant made in the likeness of a man. And being seen as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. ”Philippians 2:3-8).
Paul’s instructions are clear. Put your selfishness aside. It is the root cause of conflict.Seeing others as better than ourselves – not those who are right, who have treated us well, who deserve it – just others. Put yourself in their shoes. Try to feel what they are feeling and see it from their point of view. We have to intentionally step out of our own mindset and try to enter the other person’s world. Like when Jesus came to earth.
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