Psalm 133:1-3 KJV — Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard: That went down to the skirts of his garments;
[3] As the dew of Hermon, And as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: For there the LORD commanded the blessing, Even life for evermore.
It is a pleasant thing to dwell together in unity as a family and as brethren. The anointing operates better in the atmosphere of oneness and unity. I pray that we shall find a reason to dwell in unity. Sometimes, being in conflict or disagreeing is normal but we must find ways of resolving our differences!
- Intent does not negate impact: The fact that you didn’t intend to hurt me, doesn’t mean I was not be hurt.
- Silence does not mean resolution: Keeping quiet does not solve issues and silent treatment is not a conflict resolution strategy. You must always remember that civil discussions help. Silence will kill the relationship. It’s refreshing to be heard and great not to point fingers.
- Winning an argument does not help the relationship, understanding each other’s concerns helps: Don’t engage in conflict resolution to win. We don’t engage to win; we engage to understand! Whenever you are speaking strive to understand your partner rather than to win.
- How you start matters. Immediately yelling and name calling begins; it’s time out; pause and continue later. In conflict resolution, how you start matters. If you don’t start on the right note, you will end up fighting and yelling at each other!
- Avoiding conflict only makes your relationship worse. It is more dangerous to avoid conflict than to resolve. Sometimes, many of us tend to think that avoiding confrontation is best. Any kind of relationship will do well when prospective couples learn conflict resolution and management. In Matthew 18:15 KJV, the Lord said “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother”. Let us talk and let’s resolve our differences!
- Don’t tell my fault to another person when you have not told me in private. I should always be the first person to hear my fault. Tell me my fault; because I am the person who can do something about it.
Conflict is conflict and can destroy the best of friends even if they are apostles.
In Acts 15:36-40 KJV we understand how Barnabas and Paul were separated. [36] And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
[37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. [38] But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
[39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; [40] and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
May the Lord give us the grace and wisdom to resolve our conflicts and disagreement, keeping the unity and the bond of peace.
Amen
