Weekly Wisdom: Resolving Conflict

Scripture

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Devotional

As humans, conflict is inevitable. However, our goal is not to live a conflict-free life but rather to resolve them in a godly and constructive way. To help you navigate through conflicts, here are six key principles to keep in mind.

‍Seek wise counsel: Disputes and disagreements can leave us feeling disappointed and frustrated. Sharing our struggles with a trusted friend or mentor helps us gain new perspectives and receive discernment in making a decision. 

Beware of pride and anger:  Conflict often stirs emotions, and pride can propel a situation toward negativity. In moments of anger, pause and reflect. Is your anger justified or does it come from a bruised ego or wounded pride? 

Choose the higher road: How we conduct ourselves during conflicts speaks volumes about our character. Taking the higher road means retaining from attacking a person’s character or becoming disrespectful.

Practice forgiveness: Conflicts often involve hurt, both intended and unintended. Forgiveness, therefore, becomes a powerful tool in conflict resolution. When wronged, choosing to forgive quickly brings healing.

Stay resilient: Rather than shying away from them, embracing conflicts and addressing them healthily is essential. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, and true peace often requires addressing difficult issues. 

The ultimate goal is not to avoid our trials but to handle them with God. How will you resolve a conflict today?

Prayer

Father, we love You. We thank You for Your Word and its wisdom. Help to not just to be hearers of the Word, but to be doers and to apply it to our lives. Please bless us, as we walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, amen.