It is Conflict Resolution Day! A day created for people to resolve conflict peacefully. People were not created for war, but fellowship and relationship. Today we focused on how to resolve conflict without violence while maintaining healthy, Christian relationships.
For information on the global event click HERE
On The Morning Thing we talked about an article from Focus on the Family about Biblical conflict resolution. Here are a few tips for honoring Christ during times for conflict and disagreement.
Define the Problem and Stick to the Issue
Clearly define the issue and stay on topic during the discussion. Conflict deteriorates when the issue that started the conflict gets lost in angry words, past issues, or hurts tossed into the mix.
Pursue Purity in Heart
Before approaching others regarding their faults and shortcomings, prayerfully face up to your own. Confess any way you might have contributed to the problem.
Affirm the Relationship
Affirm the relationship before clearly defining the problem. For example, “Our relationship is important to me. But when you don’t return my calls, I feel rejected and unimportant.” Avoid blaming the other person and saying, “You make me feel…” Instead, say, “When you do ‘A’, I feel ‘B’.”
Forgive
Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. “Forgiveness is both an event and a process,” Don’t expect it to happen over night. In fact, you should offer forgiveness along with these four promises:
- I promise I won’t bring this up and use it against you in the future.
- I promise I’m not going to dwell on it in my own heart and mind.
- I’m not going to talk to other people about it.
- I’m not going to let it stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.
Check out the full article from Focus on the Family about healthy, Biblical conflict resolution, HERE!
(Picture from www.pintrest.com/wetzel5/conflict-resolution/ )
Rise and Shine 
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