Dear SCC & Friends,
…He has entrusted to us the word of reconciliation.
~2 Corinthians 5:19
Reflection #99
Is conflict spiritual? Is it bad? Have you ever been told to avoid it at all costs? What a price tag!… Yet conflict remains unavoidable even if we seek to avoid it. Absence of conflict does not mean we have unity or love. I hate to admit it, but it has been conflict, be it unpleasant or untimely, that drove me deeper into my need and reliance on the Lord. I don’t like conflict, seek it out or wish it upon others… It’s just always there or just around the corner. Reality is that without conflict there is no substance to this life. Our life in Christ is about testing, transformation and testimony to God’s faithfulness. It is in facing our problems and shortcomings that we can have victory over what seemed irreconcilable… Victory needs conflict as its preface. ~Charles Spurgeon~ And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death. ~Rev. 12:11
We didn’t choose our circumstances or our relatives. God is sovereign and gives us free will on how we will respond to conflict. Conflict may be openly hostile or subtly manifest in passive-aggressive manipulation or need for control. Our challenge is to seek resolve and reconciliation as it is a reflection of God’s heart. It needs to be important to us to get “things” right… not allowing thoughtless words and untethered emotions to rule the day… rather …leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your offering. ~Matt. 5:24 We are further exhorted …let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. ~Jam. 1:19-20 While conflict in this life is inevitable, reconciliation is not inevitable and requires intentionality and love. We don’t need a Ph.D. to be ambassadors of reconciliation… We simply need to know we’ve been given this ministry, and we are to act on it. …who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. ~2 Cor. 5:17 Conflict is here to stay but so are we… You are making a difference. Keep up the good work!
Made for these days,
Kevin