"Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. then he left and returned home."
----- Genesis 31:55
It is possible to have conflict and not go to blows. We live in a short fuse society and for the most part, are brought up to believe that "he who throws the first punch wins." This is not true. He who throws the first punch only throws the first punch. There is a way to have constructive conflict with such a one in our lives.
Here are a few thoughts about this:
1. Conflict is inevitable in any
lasting relationship.
As strange as it sounds, the greatest relationships I have had in my life at some point also had the greatest conflicts. There is a bond formed after the conflict is resolved.
2. Honesty is the HOV lane for resolving conflict faster.
When we choose honesty over deceit, we can get to the root of the issue faster.
3. Conflict does not have to end
in the death of a relationship.
Just because a disagreement happens does not mean that you should start taking applications to replace that person. Remember, we are not in junior high anymore (that is unless you are in junior high and reading this. If you are in junior high, then assume that I meant to type elementary school in the place of junior High.)
4. There is a way to glorify God and
have conflict with others.
Not all of your disagreements are moral imperatives. You don't always have to win while annihilating your opponent. There are some battles worth losing if they keep the relationship going.
How we have conflict with others will reflect the love of our Savior. We are created as relational beings. To be relational involves more than one person. Any time there is more than one person involved, you have a difference in opinion. This may lead to conflict.
"God, open my eyes to be aware of Your Spirit as I have conflict."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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----- Genesis 31:55
It is possible to have conflict and not go to blows. We live in a short fuse society and for the most part, are brought up to believe that "he who throws the first punch wins." This is not true. He who throws the first punch only throws the first punch. There is a way to have constructive conflict with such a one in our lives.
Here are a few thoughts about this:
1. Conflict is inevitable in any
lasting relationship.
As strange as it sounds, the greatest relationships I have had in my life at some point also had the greatest conflicts. There is a bond formed after the conflict is resolved.
2. Honesty is the HOV lane for resolving conflict faster.
When we choose honesty over deceit, we can get to the root of the issue faster.
3. Conflict does not have to end
in the death of a relationship.
Just because a disagreement happens does not mean that you should start taking applications to replace that person. Remember, we are not in junior high anymore (that is unless you are in junior high and reading this. If you are in junior high, then assume that I meant to type elementary school in the place of junior High.)
4. There is a way to glorify God and
have conflict with others.
Not all of your disagreements are moral imperatives. You don't always have to win while annihilating your opponent. There are some battles worth losing if they keep the relationship going.
How we have conflict with others will reflect the love of our Savior. We are created as relational beings. To be relational involves more than one person. Any time there is more than one person involved, you have a difference in opinion. This may lead to conflict.
"God, open my eyes to be aware of Your Spirit as I have conflict."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
