Find the Courage to Resolve Conflict

A Note from Pastor Rick Preparing Leaders to Reach the World ...

Find the Courage to Resolve Conflict

Find the Courage to Resolve Conflict

You’ve probably heard the expression, “Time heals all wounds.” But that’s simply not true.

Many things in life cannot be healed by time alone—sometimes it only makes them worse. Think of an open wound on your body. If you don’t deal with it, it festers. Wounds in relationships are the same. They don’t heal on their own. In fact, unresolved conflict can have three devastating effects on your life.

First, unresolved conflict blocks your fellowship with God. When you’re out of harmony with others, you can’t be in harmony with God. When you’re distracted by conflict with other people, you can’t have a clear connection with God. The Bible says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar” (1 John 4:20 NLT).

Second, unresolved conflict hinders your prayers. The Bible says that a life characterized by conflict, sin, and disharmony blocks your prayers. “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Third, unresolved conflict diminishes your happiness. You can’t be happy and in conflict at the same time. When conflict comes in through the front door, happiness goes out the back.

Conflict won’t just heal with time. You can’t make it disappear by ignoring, denying, or sweeping it under the rug. To get rid of conflict, you have to deal with it.

And that takes courage.

Where do you find the courage you need to resolve conflict? You get it from God. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (NLT). When you let God’s Spirit fill your life, his love will overcome your fear and give you the courage to resolve conflict and bring healing to your relationships.

So take the initiative and be the peacemaker. Find the courage you need in his Spirit, and go to the person you’re in conflict with. Whether it’s with family, a friend, a colleague, or a neighbor, you can find healing. Because it’s not about time—it’s about God.