Less Fret, More Faith
Unresolved Conflict – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:16-20

Key Verse: Matthew 18:15

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Stress robs us of our health, both in the physical area and in our spiritual walk with God. God’s design for our lives is to live without the stress levels the world lives with. One of the main causes of stress is unresolved conflict. Those without the help of the Holy Spirit will pridefully allow turmoil in relationships to continue for years. They think it hurts the other person, when in reality it hurts them more. Someone said that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and hoping the other person gets sick! Let’s not allow unresolved conflict to cause us stress sickness!

Jesus gives His followers a four-step formula for resolving conflict. First, when you sense that there is a problem with someone, go to them directly. Try to show the person how you have been hurt, as well as listen to how they may feel hurt. Jesus says that if they listen, you’ve won a brother (sister) over.

Second step, if they don’t listen, is to ask one or two other trusted people to come help in the reconciliation process. Sometimes an outside perspective, one not so emotionally involved, can help both sides settle the matter. Again, we see Jesus’ value system coming through this formula; Relationships matter to God. We will look at the next two steps tomorrow, but today realize how much God cares about you and the other person!

Father, I will need your grace and love flowing through me if I am going to live at peace with all people. I ask this in Jesus’ Name, amen.