Are
you experiencing conflict in a relationship that you want resolved? People who
are offended build walls around themselves as a defense mechanism. Here are
some steps to bring down the walls.
1. Pray for wisdom
(James 1:5).
Ask God to show you how to handle your situation. Every relationship is unique
and the Lord can give you insights concerning what to do.
2. You make the first
move (Romans 12:17-18). Don’t wait for the other person to take the initiative. God
wants you to take the first step. The Lord will send His blessing on the one
who makes the first move in peacemaking.
3. Give a gift to the
other person (Luke 6:27-28). After Jacob cheated Esau out of his
birthright, Esau planned to kill him. Years later, Jacob sought to reconcile with
Esau by giving him hundreds of goats, camels, cows, and donkeys (Gen.
32:13-14). The huge gift brought down the walls around Esau’s heart and they
reconciled (Gen. 33).
4. Find common ground.
Common
ground can make people forget their differences. You will find liberal
Democrats and conservative Republicans hugging each other and giving high fives—if
they are pulling for the same football team that scores a touchdown! Conflict comes
from magnifying your differences, but resolution comes from magnifying what you
have in common.
For
more information about resolving conflicts (and 9 other problems) read 10 Secrets to Life’s Biggest Challenges by Peter Lord with Kent Crockett,
Chosen Books). www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com
NEW BIBLE STUDY: "Do people in heaven know what's happening on earth?"
Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
www.makinglifecount.net
