Day 23: Handling Conflict Respectfully (Part 1)

God created us for relationships. Unfortunately, relationships are not immune from conflict. If we want true and lasting peace in our relationships, then we need to resolve conflicts God’s way. His way for resolving conflicts is not to give us surface techniques that achieve outward peace but do nothing to get at the root cause of the conflict. God goes for the heart – primarily our heart relationship with Him. When our ways please Him, then we have a foundation for resolving conflicts with others (Prov. 16:7).

Read Matthew 5:9 & James 4:1-12

Q: What does Jesus say our role should be in the area of conflict resolution? What is your definition of a peacemaker?

Q: What does James tell us about the source (i.e. root cause) of quarrels and conflicts?

Q: How do conflicts steal our peace and subsequently our happiness? Why do we have a hard time settling our conflicts?

Q: Are you currently in conflict with anyone? What would it look like for you to settle this conflict quickly?

Q: How can you be more respectful while in conflict?

Today’s prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that selfishness, pride, and judging are often sources of conflict in relationships. I want all my relationships to bring glory to you and I don’t want to be a source of pain for other people or myself. Please equip me today to be your ambassador and to intentionally take peace and reconciliation wherever I go. Jesus, help me be a true peacemaker. I want to turn conflict into an opportunity to strengthen relationships and make my life a testimony to the power and grace of Jesus Christ. I want to draw continually on the goodness and power of my Lord to bring His love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom to the conflicts of daily life.