I think a natural tendency when one finds themselves in conflict is the basic fight or flight impulse. First, fight. We form lists of why we aren't wrong. We call friends and spout our outrage and present our supreme court worthy defense of why we are right and "they" (this other person) are wrong. We consider telling off the person who has so hurt us with their words and actions. Second, flight. Conflict is difficult and painful. A natural impulse is to run away from what hurts, avoid it's unpleasantness by shutting ourselves away. We banish the conflict source from our circle and peace is restored to our realm.
Conflict hurts hence one seeks to avoid it by disengaging from the source of it. Here is where I would caution you and me - Don't run away. I do think there are rare occasions where running away is necessary - prevention of physical harm or in situations of past emotional abuse. But isolating yourself from sources of hurt isn't a God honoring solution.
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Romans 12:18
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:17-18
Just something to think about today. Be a peacemaker. Remember to put on your sandals of peace. I have enclosed a link to a helpful article I found.
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