Serious Conflict Requires Serious Sacrifice

Conflicts exist because of concerns that threaten a person or a relationship. Conflict may be incited when someone or something demands change that creates uncertainty and anxiety. What this demonstrates is that needed change has failed to take place, so confrontation is a natural consequence.

The American Revolutionist, Thomas Paine noted that, "What we obtain too cheaply, we tend to respect too flippantly." Only that which has value is worth fighting for. An engaged couple, both professionals, were offered career opportunities that set them on divergent pathways with extended periods of separation. Instead of giving and receiving encouragement, dissension created by anxiety and lack of trust ended their engagement. 

 

Conflict is indicative of competing needs. Serious conflict indicates serious sacrifices are necessary to ensure the stability of a relationship. Jesus was sacrificed to end the rebellion that sin created between mankind and God. What are you willing to sacrifice for peace?  

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“Stop fighting,” he says, “and know that I am God, supreme among the nations, supreme over the world.”

~Psalm 46:10 Good News Bible

And we know that Christ, God’s Son, has come to help us understand and find the true God. And now we are in God because we are in Jesus Christ his Son, who is the only true God; and he is eternal life.

~1 John 5:20 The Living Bible

Keep Crisis Out of Conflict: Confront

Some conflict in life is inevitable and necessary, for without conflict and struggle, relationships could become stagnant and sluggish. However, unresolved conflict can cause trouble when anger accumulates instead of diminishes. In addition, unattended conflict tends to create unhealthy levels of anxiety.

In 1776 Thomas Paine wrote in The American Crisis, "These are the times that try men's souls." Crisis created by unresolved conflict will test every fiber that holds a relationship together. Surprisingly, conflicts that often do the most damage are those which are left unattended because of fear and dread.

Thomas Paine also said: “Conflict, like Hell, is not easily conquered.” Jesus never flinched when confronting evil or unhealthy people. He never denied that his message or mission angered important leaders. Jesus cared enough to confront, so herein lies your challenge. Do you care enough to confront that which is unhealthy in your relationships?  

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If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him – work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend.

~Matthew 18:15 The Message

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

~Matthew 5:9 The Message