Skip to main content

Three Keys to Effective Conflict

Three Keys for Facing Conflict

For most of us, conflict is hard! Many of us would rather avoid conflict than engage in it. One of the reasons we tend to avoid conflict or perceived conflict with others is our own fear of being disliked or considered "rude". A key to overcoming that fear lies in our personal relationship with God. For all of us, the strength to face difficulties, whether they be relational or otherwise, comes from security in God. How are you learning to rest in Jesus and in who He has made you to be, and is making you to be? As we grow in your security in Him, we grow in our ability to face conflict. 

 If you are facing the need to have a difficult conversation with a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or a church family member, consider the following keys for effectiveness.

1. Consider your motives


    1. Have you stopped to consider your own motives? 
    2. Ask yourself, "Why is this important to me?" 

2. Consider your source

    1. Have you spent time with God, allowing Him access to your inner self so that He can show you unresolved areas in your own emotional life?
    2. Ask yourself, "How much time have I spent praying and waiting on God in this issue?

3. Consider your "adversary"

    1. Have you spent time considering his/her motives and life story?
    2. Ask yourself, "What do I know about him/her?" 
    3. Consider asking questions of him/her instead of launching in on what is wrong with them.
Conflict is inevitable! We live as flawed people dealing with flawed people. 


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you!

Popular posts from this blog

Have You Responded to the Invitation Today?

This past Sunday, our focus was on how much God invites us to join Him in the good things He has done and wants to do in our lives. Specifically, Jesus invites us to: Come and Rest Follow Him Live WITH Him (abide in Him) When we accept His invitations, we begin to truly be filled up more and more with Him so that we are enabled to overcome every barrier to being like Him. No, it never happens overnight. (And if you are like me, you grow impatient with the changes you want to see.) Yes, every one of us (myself included) is on a journey and needs to be reminded daily of His invitation. But He is truly at work in us, and He invites you today! Come and rest in Him, in His plan, in His timing, in His promises, in His reconciling work! Follow Him into the great purposes He has for you. His invitation is to the greatness of His life and Kingdom. Live WITH him today. Slow down. Expect Him to speak. Wait for His plans and don't move and act ahead of Him. Here is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Special Events during our Fasting and Prayer week

SPECIAL EVENTS: I mentioned Sunday that we are joining together in an all-church time of fasting and prayer beginning this coming Sunday, February 9. Please be in prayer about your participation. How will you participate? What will you do if you know there will be a special event during the fast? Who will you ask to be a partner and encourager along the way? As a part of this season of prayer and fasting, I invite you to two special church gatherings. BRING an OFFERING of THANKS This coming Sunday, February 9, you are encouraged and welcome to join with your church family in an evening of giving thanks. By way of preparation, make a list of anything/everything you can recall for which you are thankful to God. Miracles in your life, special moments of provision, healing, peace, sustaining grace, etc. Make a list and come prepared to share some of your items with your church family. Together, we will lift up our thanks as a way of entering into our time of fasting. On We...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Call to Fast and Pray

I mentioned at our VISION 2020 meeting that we are calling the church at River Oaks to a time of fasting and praying in February. We are asking each of you to set aside February 9-16 as a season of fasting and prayer. While we are all called to pray at all times, this is a special season of joining in prayer for specific things we all need, as well as things we pray for in our city/county/region. Isaiah 58:6-12  gives us a clear picture of God's plans for a fast. In those verses, he indicates that His fast is for: Loosening the Bonds of Wickedness Undoing the bands of the yoke Letting the oppressed go free Breaking every yoke Give to those in need of food Help the homeless Not hiding from "your own flesh" - or refusing to see the needs of those around you. The passage goes on to tell us what we can expect when we fast in that way: Your light will break out like the dawn Your recovery will speedily spring forth Your righteousness will go before you The Gl...
Post a Comment
Read more