Daily Devotions

Today, in our search for peace amidst our waring world, we start reflecting on conflicts in our personal relationships.

When we think of conflict, many negative thoughts or emotions arise. Followers of Jesus Christ are called to respond differently than the world, in a way that can seem totally foreign to those around us. Strangely, conflict can provide an incredible opportunity to glorify God, serve other people, and grow to be more like Christ. But to do this we must change the way we view and deal with conflict; perhaps we should view conflict as an opportunity.

Paul’s approach to relational conflict is that the disciple should go to the offender in private or with a trusted third party, particularly if there is someone both of you know who is able to speak God’s truth to both of you. Remember, the goal should always be reconciliation of the relationship. 

So, when we go to the offender, we should go gently. Even though, as believers, we have experienced the greatest forgiveness in the world, we often fail to show one tenth of that forgiveness to others. Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn't. "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus. "These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold." "Which channel do you want?" asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organised like that?"

Handling conflict in a healthy Godly way turns what the enemy meant for harm into good. We turn the conflict into an opportunity to strengthen Christ’s kingdom. We focus our love for one another. We walk out the kind of love Jesus called us to when things are hard and relationships are stressed. Our conflict is opportunity to live out 1 John 3:11, “For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning that we should love one another.”

Put peace into each other's hands

       and like a treasure hold it;

protect it like a candle flame,

       with tenderness enfold it.

Put peace into each other's hands

       with loving expectation;

be gentle in your words and ways,

       in touch with God's creation.

Put Christ into each other's hands,

       he is love's deepest measure;

in love make peace, give peace a chance

       and share it like a treasure.

Lord, in the words of another hymn I pray, “Let there be peace and let it begin with me.” Amen