Conflict Resolution

Strangely enough, talking about someone behind their backs does not help to put a disagreement to rest!

Matthew 18.15-35

Reference: v.15  “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (NIV Bible)

Explore: When  you live with a teenage girl you certainly hear a lot about conflict!  Every day there can be a story told about an inconsiderate action or some blatant selfishness.  The conflicts are often perpetuated by the inability to resolve the disagreement.
While it is nice as adults to no longer be in that time of rollercoaster emotions, I must admit that I witness many cases of adults who do not know how to resolve conflicts either.  Strangely enough, talking about someone behind their backs does not help to put a disagreement to rest!

Application: The Bible gives us so many helpful instructions on how to live life.  Clearly conflict resolution was already an issue 2000 years ago.  This is one area where Jesus actually gave some simple clear steps on how to resolve conflict – God knows we need it!
1. If you feel someone has wronged you, go and speak to them about it.
2. If that doesn’t work, go to them again but take someone with you.
3. If that doesn’t work, let someone in authority know about what has happened.
4. If there is still no change, you must move on from them
None of these steps are easy nor particularly pleasant.  However they are helpful to allow healing within yourself as well as resolution towards another.

Prayer: Lord, while we are all made in Your image it seems that we are all so different from each other.  Help us to guard our tongues when disagreements arise and do the right thing when there is conflict.  Amen.

Matthew