The Sure Word for Today's quotation for the week:
God Restores My Soul.
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Conflict Resolution — Part 6.
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (KJV).
The disagreement that results in the conflict is one thing, but the moment there is a conflict, it is more than the disagreement. It is a deep-rooted emotion that dictates the attitude and behaviours of the conflicting parties. Sometimes it becomes political. They unknowingly campaign and get support in their varying camp. The process of resolving conflict is the same. It starts with communication, not talking.
Jesus understood the magnitude, the stress, the depression, and the mental health that can emerge because of conflict. His instructions were direct about dealing with conflict. Learn from the Master.
Matthew 5:23-25. “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.”
Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
Jesus' advice about conflict resolution in these passages can be boiled down to four simple principles. I believe these principles will resolve almost ninety percent or more of the conflicts you are experiencing with other people. They are so short and straightforward. Please repeat after me:
• Quickly
• Face to face
• One on one
• Get help
Quickly sounds easy, but it is not when you feel pain and betrayal or high emotions. You must calm down. Jesus understood the moment of anger when your mind is blinded by your sentiment, but a time comes, you have calmed down, and you remember, then you must act quickly. So, when you have an issue with another person, deal with it quickly. How quick is quick? Ephesians 4:26 says not to let the sun go down on your anger.
Jesus is clear. Conflict needs to be handled quickly. He even implies that resolving the conflict is even more important than worship (ref Matthew 5: 23-24).
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All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the HOLY BIBLE unless otherwise indicated.
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