Though many conflicts can be upsetting and difficult, see if it is possible to regard such interactions with others in a positive, even optimistic way… Conflicts can become invitations for you to grow in a transformed humanness and overcome the destructive habits of mind, speech and behavior.
Conflict – How it Starts/How to Stop it, Focus Publishing, 1999, p. 221.
To some, conflict is a hazard that threatens to sweep them off their feet and leave them bruised and hurting. To others, it is an obstacle that they should conquer quickly and firmly, regardless of the consequences. But some people have learned that conflict is an opportunity to solve common problems in a way that honors God and offers benefits to those involved.
Reprinted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Ken Sande, Baker Books, 3d ed., 2004, p. 22. Peacemaker® Ministries. www.Peacemaker.net . Used by Permission. Get this book!
The Bible teaches that we should see conflict neither as an inconvenience nor as an occasion to force our will on others, but rather as an opportunity to demonstrate the love and power of God in our lives.
Reprinted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Ken Sande, Baker Books, 3d ed., 2004, p. 31. Peacemaker® Ministries. www.Peacemaker.net . Used by Permission. Get this book!
As you worry less about going through conflict and focus more on growing through conflict, you will enhance that process and experience the incomparable blessing of being conformed to the likeness of Christ.
Reprinted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Ken Sande, Baker Books, 3d ed., 2004, p. 37. Peacemaker® Ministries. www.Peacemaker.net . Used by Permission. Get this book!
[Personal differences have many advantages]:
They can encourage us to search the Scriptures (Psm. 119:71-72).
They can help us think carefully about how and what we think or what we believe (Pro. 15:28).
They can help us work harder at communicating effectively (Eph. 4:25).
They can produce maturity and endurance (Jas. 1:2-5).
They can help us sharpen one another (Pr. 27:17).
They can strengthen our faith in the truth that God is working all things for our good (Rom. 8:28-29).
They give us opportunity to practice servanthood and preferring one another (Phil. 2:2-3).
They give us opportunity to love and glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31-32).
The Exemplary Husband, Focus, 2000, p. 250. Get this book!
Personal benefits when conflict with others is handled properly: It has increased my tenderness to the pain and affliction of others. It has broadened my outlook that life is not as black and white as I often think. It has helped me to listen better and understand good perspectives that might differ from mine. It has encouraged me to search the Scriptures and be able to better articulate my beliefs. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and increased my faith in God and in His Word. It has taught me to work harder to be a more effective communicator to express my feelings. It has helped me consider other people more important than myself. It has helped me understand that relationships are more important than the conflict and compromising (when biblically appropriate) is more important than being right. It has increased my love for unity. It has manifested the love and power and forgiveness of God both received and extended. It has taught me that my desires and plans do not lie at the center of the world. And in many cases, when resolved correctly, it has even strengthened the specific relationship.
Sermon, Zealous for Peace, Romans 14:19, May 19, 2019.|Sermon, Zealous for Peace, Romans 14:19, May 19, 2019.
