Conflict Is GOOD!

Why is conflict good?

With conflict comes "real" communication. Both parties in the difficulty lay out the real issues that are bringing them to disagreement. When surface stuff is removed and quick, shallow answers are exhausted a person must become real or the conflict spirals out of control.

Conflict is also a way to show the heart investment of the individuals. When a person is willing to enter conflict with another it is usually because they value something in that particular situation. If a person does not value the situation they often opt to disengage or fake peace so conflict will end. They show themselves as not having an true interest in how the situation will play out.

It is interesting to note that the LORD Himself is in direct conflict with the world. He is the offended party. We know He values our relationship because He does not just pull out and leave us but has become personally involved to deal with this major conflict. At the end this conflict will turn out to be good because He will again be glorified in the greatest wickedness of man and we will benefit from this conflict by receiving life, life everlasting.

Conflict is good IF one handles it correctly. There are good ways to fight. It must ALWAYS be done with respect and a seeking to understand the other party. Without a true care for one another there is little hope that conflict will end healthy in that situation. This is why the Lord instucts us to love one another and to love even our enemies. Without this love conflict will not be addressed in a positive way and instead of strengthening a relationship it tears the relationship down.

Think of the conflicts you have had in your life. Did they start because you both thought you were right on a situation that you both valued? Did you lose respect for each other and then the conflict began unhealthy? How did you resolve it? Did you have to become transparent and vulnerable before the other person? Are you healthier now that you have come through the conflict and are on the other side?

Conflict is good IF one handles it correctly!

2 Corinthians 7:4 "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,..."