“They weren’t acting in line with the truth of the gospel...” Gal. 2:14
Lord Jesus, in your kindness and providence, the last few days I’ve been reflecting on my conflict style. Through the years, I’ve been conflict-avoidant, conflict-savvy, conflict-frozen, conflict-toddler-ish, and once-in-a-while, conflict-awesome.
As I pray for myself, many dear friends, and colleagues, I’m certain that all of us need to grow the heart and art of redemptive conflict. To conflict is human; to conflict redemptively is to “act in line with the truth of the Gospel.” The truth, goodness, and beauty of the Gospel must be the goal, motivation, and means for every aspect of our relational life—including how we steward our conflicts.
May it be so, Jesus. Help us care more about your glory than our rightness—more about “faith expressing itself in love” than us expressing ourselves to win. Free us to receive feedback non-defensively and give it lovingly. Convict us quickly, very quickly, when we do neither well.
Jesus, you came to destroy enmity and walls of hostility. You are the Prince of Peace, and you call us to a lifestyle of peace-making. When our conflicts involve hard issues, we don’t have to become harsh. When our conflicts involve personal loss, insult, and pain, you don’t expect us to be passive; but you still tell us to “put down the sword.” Calling down grace must become our first option, not calling down fire (Lk.9:54-55). To turn our cheeks is to turn our face to you, not enable a fool or abuser (Matt.5:38-40).
Jesus, free us from our inability/unwillingness to sit in the tension of differing opinions, diverse perspectives, and triggering-personalities. Staying curious, listening well, and being humble don’t reflect the absence of a backbone, but the presence of your Spirit, grace, and kingdom—your very presence. Help us, Jesus. So Very Amen.