Conflict is something with which all of us struggle. Our local group of young people are no different. They are seeing it in their families, friends, school, colleges, and workplaces. It's hard for them to know how to navigate through some of the circumstances. We've been talking a lot about how it happens and how to navigate through it.
The situations are diverse, but the issues are pretty much the same. Someone gets mad and mistreats us. We react to their mistreatment, and they get angier and act indignant or worse. How dare we let someone know they crossed a boundary with bad behavior! Then we get angry about that ...and it goes on and on. Here are some of the things our group discussed.
Pray hard through the situation. Ask God to give you the strength to take the higher road. Seek the Lord and obey Him. Stop the cycle by changing your own heart and actions. Resolve to love the other person as best you can through sincere prayers and act kindly towards them when you have the opportunity. Do your part for God's glory! That is the way to victory!
Not all situations will be resolved. Some people aren't Christians so they are not under God's authority to be united as believers. Some Christians do not win that battle between the flesh and the spirit and hold grudges. That's OK. Some people are mentally or spiritually unhealthy and not good to be around. If you are obeying the Lord, He has you right where you need to be with the people you are suppose to be with. Trust Him as He moves people in and out of your life.
This life is so much more important than petty grievances. See the traps the enemy sets for Christians and avoid becoming ensnared in them. Life is short, and you will be looking back on today's situation before you know it. Be the person you can respect as you look back. Work hard to honor the Lord before self, and be a good witness. Don't get held up by the conflict. Keep those eternal glasses on. Keep on moving forward with grace. If you want to become great in God's kingdom, your flesh has to become weak.
If the person you are having a conflict with won't stop their behavior, put them behind you, and go forward with what God has for you to do. Don't let them hinder your actions or your mind from the Lord's work. Don't give them any head space..focus on your walk.
You don't have to step on the person or make an announcement as you walk around them to a better place either. Just get around them!
One day you will be so far ahead of them all they can do is wonder how you got there
...and why they are still where they are.
#wonwithJesusasourLord #theywillstaybacktherewatching #Hisglory #lovewinsthebattlesinyourheart #winnersrunwithJesus #losersstayintheirflesh #livedit #wepassedanotheronetoday
to my gang and my crew and my family...Mom/Aunt W loves you! God is going to use all of you in a mighty way. Don't let the struggles in the flesh hold you back in your spiritual journey or with advancement in the workplace. Don't waste your time or energy. Leaders rise above the petty. You mature once you realize most of it is petty and not worthy of your time! I am proud of you for seeing the battles for what they are and rising above them and for seeking counsel. It pricks the pride hard to let things go, but the freedom and growth that comes is priceless! C-Dawg and I are always here to listen, pray, cheer you on, empathize, and celebrate! We love all of you!
(Cross post)
