CONFLICT RESOLUTION - Part 1

Dear Friends,


God is leading me to work on conflict resolution. As is my custom, the work journaled here has always been what God is showing me, primarily for me to learn and grow. Consequently, sometimes it gets very personal. I pray this transparency will bless you.


WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflict resolution is a significant theme in the Bible, with various scriptures addressing how to deal with conflicts in a Christ-honoring manner. Here are some key scriptures that provide guidance on this topic. Personally, I have a conflict right now that I am trying to resolve, and I am using this prayer time over the next few days to prepare myself for resolving it in a way that will hopefully honor Christ the most.


These are the scriptures I will be studying this week:

1. Matthew 18:15-17 - This passage offers a step-by-step approach to resolving conflicts within the church. It advises addressing the issue privately with the individual first, then with witnesses if needed, and finally involving the church if the conflict remains unresolved.
   
2. Ephesians 4:26-27 - These verses encourage believers not to let the sun go down while they are still angry, advising them to resolve conflicts quickly and not give the devil a foothold.
   
3. James 1:19-20 - This scripture emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, recognizing that human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
   
4. Proverbs 15:1 - This proverb highlights the power of a gentle answer to turn away wrath, whereas harsh words can stir up anger. It advises on the tone to adopt in conflict resolution.
   
5. Matthew 5:9 - Part of the Beatitudes, this verse blesses peacemakers, calling them the children of God, thus placing a high value on the role of peacemaking in the Christian life.
   
6. Philippians 2:3-4 - This passage encourages believers to value others above themselves and to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others, promoting a selfless approach to resolving conflicts.
   
7. Romans 12:18 - This verse advises believers to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on them, acknowledging that sometimes complete resolution is not possible but emphasizing the importance of striving for peace.
   
8. Colossians 3:13 - This scripture calls on believers to bear with each other and forgive one another if any grievance arises, emphasizing forgiveness as a key aspect of conflict resolution.
   
9. 1 Peter 3:8-11 - This passage calls for unity, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility, recognizing these qualities as essential for living in harmony and resolving conflicts.
   
10. Proverbs 17:14 - This proverb advises to drop a matter before a dispute breaks out, emphasizing the wisdom in preventing conflicts when possible.
    
    
    

CONCLUSION
These scriptures collectively provide a comprehensive Biblical framework for addressing and resolving conflicts in a manner that aligns with Christian principles of love, forgiveness, humility, and peace. If you are needing to resolve a conflict with someone, I would encourage you to look all of them up as part of your quiet time and see where Christ leads you in this process of conflict resolution.


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
January 23, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.