Response-ability

Can I respond to conflict in a way that pleases God?

God’s Response

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. . . . Instead, if your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:19-21

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate. . . . Instead, pay them back with a blessing. . . . Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 1 Peter 3:9, 11

How do you resolve conflict? The Bible says to refuse to retaliate. How can you do that when every part of your nature screams out for revenge? First, take time out to cool off. Then listen. Perhaps you have misunderstood or perhaps the person you disagree with is actually right. In any case, make peace your aim. You don’t have to roll over and be walked on in order to make peace. Actually, you have to be a strong person to hold your temper and your tongue. As with exercise, the more you do it, the stronger you will get.

This Is Promising

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9