Colossians 3:13 (NLT) [bible-link v=”Colossians+3%3A13&version=NLT” c=”light”]
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Conflict is inevitable and unavoidable in any community and in any relationship. The truth is, we all have been hurt, usually by the people closest to us.
When it comes to hurts, bitterness, offence and unforgiveness, the only thing that you are in control of is your choices. It becomes about what you will do with the emotions attached to the situation.
Often times, when we leave these emotions unchecked, they can start to determine and dictate the course of our lives. Over the years, I have met countless people who sadly have not dealt with bitterness from the past and they are still trapped by the weight that it carries.
I have found that there are three things we can do to resolve conflict in community, following our example in the Scriptures:
- Talk to the person who has hurt you, not about the person
(Matthew 18:15). - Choose the right environment and the right time to have that conversation.
- Resolve to forgive, despite what the other person says or does.
Relationships that are fractured and communities that are divided are toxic and unhealthy.
Think about the relationships that perhaps are strained or have tension right now in your life. What choices do you or can you make to seek peace?