Do not think that I have come to bring peace on the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword [of division between belief and unbelief].
-Matthew 10:34 (AMP)
Conflict, we all have it, but why and what do we do with it?
Conflict can be defined as a struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands. Conflict is interesting in that it is only a perception, meaning it only really exists if it’s acknowledged by both the parties that are experiencing it. That’s why it can be so frustrating when one person sees conflict while the other may not. There is no doubt that the world is full of potential conflict.
Opportunities abound for clashes of opinions, arguments and to pick up offence. The result, conflict between people, ideologies, assumptions and emotions. Conflict is right up the enemy’s ally. And he thrives if that conflict goes unresolved. Unresolved conflict fosters division, anger and alienation. Driven by a sense of pride and desiring all other views and opinions to align with ours, conflict can become a drawn out, nasty situation that only brings the worst out in people. On the other hand, when conflict is worked through and resolved, in a healthy way, healing and restoration takes place.
Within the faith realm, conflict gets interesting. There is no doubt that God allows conflict to come into our life. He will even cause conflict sometimes. Why? Because the conflict that the Lord exposes us to gives us the opportunity to come to Him or to come back to Him. In many cases it results as an opportunity to trust Him, work through issues and grow even deeper in our faith.
A good example here is all the different times the Israelites went into exile because of their disobedience and idolatry. God initiated conflict through wandering in the desert, being conquered or taken to a forged land. But the Lord never deserted them and through these conflicts led the people back to Himself.
How we view conflict in the world and in our faith determines if we will become a slave to it or if it will become a means of growth and health.
So if conflict is unavoidable, what are we to do? First off, we shouldn’t ever seek conflict avoidance. That’s unhealthy and detrimental in many different ways. Instead we should seek conflict management that leads to resolution.
In our relationships, resolution leads to restoration and restoration is God’s heart. When we open up ourselves to conflict management and eventual resolution, we follow God’s leading and His will and way is accomplished in our life. If we do not, the seeds of bitterness and unforgiveness take root.
Conflict resolution takes effort, time and patience. Pride, hurt and fear are the chief adversaries here. Instead of avoidance, we must identify, acknowledge, address and pursue a godly solution.
Understand that conflict never resolves itself in the dark. Jesus is described as the light of the world (John 8:12), as the Word (John 1:1) and as the Truth (John 14:6). Among other things, these are conflict mediation titles. So the number one factor for conflict resolution is inviting and involving Jesus in every situation.
