7. Conflict enhances gratitude for when times were good and when relationships are healthy, and reminds us it can be that way again.
We have forgotten more of the good God has done in our life than we remember!
8. When we see conflict, we have the opportunity to live out our purpose and calling since we are called to be reconcilers.
We are to be reconcilers (2 Cor. 5:20).
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” – Romans 5:10
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9
In other words, children of God bring peace to those around us. When you see conflict, do you try to help bring peace? Are you a peacemaker?
9. Conflict creates the opportunity to turn enemies into friends.
When conflict arises (and it will), bless those who persecute you. Do not take revenge, but feed your hungry enemy, give drink to your enemy who thirsts, overcome evil with good (Rom. 12).
Sweet revenge means doing the opposite of what you feel. Ironically, our enemies hate that! If Jesus befriended Judas, then we should be willing to love our enemies.
Make an effort.
So then we pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19
Live in harmony. Do what is right in the eyes of everybody. Live at peace with everyone as far as it depends on you. Romans 12:18
If you have been offended, then make things right. Matthew 18:15
If you have offended someone, then make things right. Matthew 5:23-24
- Do you have something against someone?
- Does anyone have something against you?
- What are you going to do about it?
Forgive. Talk things through. So often we fight with people in our minds before we ever actually talk! We assume the worst! We get defensive even when the other person didn’t intend to be offensive. Say you’re sorry sincerely without any expectation.
10. Conflict allows us to experience the beauty of forgiveness.
We’ve been forgiven by God and need to offer forgiveness to others.
So how many times? When I asked my daughter Trevi (age 10) how many times Jesus said we should forgive, she said: “I know, I know: ‘to infinity and beyond.’ ”
“Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered: ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” – Matthew 18:21-22
