Whenever I find myself in conflict with anyone or anything, I need to look at my part. There is almost always some personal culpability. It’s a very helpful practice in resolving conflict, but often very hard to do.
When we find ourselves in interpersonal conflict, many of us have a tendency to look at the other person and what they did or did not do to cause the conflict. I grew up in a household where my parents were the referees when my brother, sister, and I had conflicts over toys and the like. There was always an inquiry into who did what. We each had to give our side of the conflict - our version of the events - to the authority that was going to make a judgment. Who was right? Who was wrong? Consequently, we became good at making our case for “I’m right; they’re wrong.” I became very skilled in this process from a young age. Often told I should become an attorney for my skill in arguing and proving culpability and fault, I was pre-law in the first year of college. Thanks be to God I changed careers! What does Jesus Christ say about our desire to determine “who is right” and “who is wrong”? Let’s look at Scriptures together and see. I will not say anything more on the subject, but let God’s Word inform me and you. See what you think. WHAT SCRIPTURES SAY ABOUT FINDING FAULT WITH OTHERS? "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3 NIV) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TAKE THE SPEC OUT OF YOUR OWN EYE FIRST? "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5 NIV) DO I EVER GET TO TAKE THE PLANK OUT OF MY FELLOW’S EYE? "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." (Galatians 6:1 NIV) CONCLUSION The teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament offer profound wisdom on the subject of conflict resolution. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection and personal accountability before addressing the faults in others. By first examining and correcting our own shortcomings, we become better equipped to help others with kindness and understanding, embodying the spirit of compassion and humility. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. January 25, 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. Comments are closed.
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