April 17, 2024
Pause. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night. April 17, 2024. Read: Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Be Still: Today (Tuesday, April 16, 2024) I spent the day at SMU Perkins School of Theology at a workshop on Conflict Resolution. I found the first part of the workshop helpful for understanding my relationship with conflict and my conflict style – collaborating is my preferred style according to the assessment. This means I have a high concern for issues and relationships. I strive to actively listen to others, try to understand different perspectives, and aim to work toward mutually satisfactory solutions. Surprisingly, the assessment suggested that I view conflict as an opportunity for growth. Now I realize conflict is an inevitable companion on our daily journey. I also know Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, so embracing conflict as an opportunity for growth seemed almost counterintuitive to what it means to be a peacemaker. However, conflict is not always bad or something that is negative, so it is important to consider the need to begin to neutralize the term conflict. This can happen when we choose to remove the stigma that suggests conflict is always harmful to begin to understand conflict to be something positive and productive that allows for the Holy Spirit to be at work in the encounter. Conflict can lead to new opportunities for understanding new perspectives that helps to draw the circle of peace and productivity wide, but it takes a willingness and an openness to seek this new understanding. When we pause to understand the other’s perspective along with their fears, hopes, and the wounds they carry, we begin to build bridges. When we choose to build bridges, we are humbling ourselves by accepting the truth that we do not always have to be right. Words hold power. Just like the toothpaste once squeezed out of the tube cannot be put back in the tube, harmful and hurtful words cannot be retrieved once spoken. This is a precious reminder that even when we are in the heat of disagreement, to let kindness be the compass that guides us to use words seasoned with grace that result in peace. Yes, this sounds easier than it truly is, and I do not want to discount how difficult it can be. So, if you are struggling with conflict, whether internal or external conflict – I pray you find the strength to extend the hands of love toward healing. Love is what binds all things together in perfect unity (Col 3:14). May your heart find peace in resolution, and may peace and love be the compass that guides you each day. Prayer: Gracious God may our words be gentle, even when disagreements arise. Let love and peace and grace be the language we choose, bridging gaps and healing wounds. Together, |