God's Grace Saves Us from Ourselves

Every individual is subject to weaknesses in life, which can be the source of sorrow and regret. Internal conflict demands difficult choices that may leave you feeling frustrated and defeated in mind and spirit. That God does not promise us freedom from tests and temptations can be troubling. 

Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch, failed to successfully manage his internal impulses concerning his wife Sarah. The compulsion to please Sarah when she pressured him to have a child with her maidservant, rather than trusting in God’s promise, would affect his peace and well-being for the rest of his life.

Like us, Abraham failed at regulating his thoughts and behaviors. This does not mean God has abandoned us when we fail to self-regulate. Unavoidable trials and temptations can strengthen our confidence and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To realize God’s grace is sufficient to save us from defeat instills courage to press onward toward his purpose for us. 

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 [Christ’s] reply has been, “My grace is enough for you; for where there is weakness, my power is shown more completely.” Therefore I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ.

~2 Corinthians 12:9 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

External Help for Internal Conflict

Internal conflicts require acceptable solutions which may not be forthcoming from within oneself. In complex struggles between individuals, it's difficult to arrive at compatible remedies that meet each person’s needs. Mediators, attorneys and counselors are sought out to help each party agree on a compromise.

On the surface, outer circumstances may seem unchanged, but progress takes place when each person desires to end the chaos. A judge may order couples who want a divorce to get counseling to resolve child custody and finances. Marriage counseling can help couples work out conflicts before a divorce court becomes a necessity.

While conflict is unavoidable, it need not cause the relationship to fail. When there’s conflict, do your best to listen to all the other person has to say. Make an all-out effort to consider feelings from his or her point of view. Jesus in Matthew 5:25 encourages those in conflict to settle issues quickly while there is opportunity to do so. 

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The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of compassion and good deeds, free from doubts and insincerity. The harvest of uprightness is grown from the seed of peace by those who are peacemakers.

~James 3:17-18 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

If someone brings a lawsuit against you and takes you to court, settle the dispute while there is time, before you get to court.

~Matthew 5:25a Good News Bible

Face Conflict with Encouragement from God - Part 3

Internal conflict is analogous to arguing with oneself. A college sophomore related that he had fallen in love with a woman he met in one of his classes. After a two-year courtship, he felt uneasy about continuing the relationship. He loved her, but something was wrong. Sensing his ambivalence, she asked him to think about his commitment to her.

Fearing he would hurt her feelings he denied his misgivings and assured her everything was OK. The internal struggle between what he thought and felt and his inability to be honest, put the relationship in jeopardy. He felt guilty about causing her to feel rejected, but she sensed his uncertainty, which made it impossible to trust him fully.

Internal conflicts are difficult to discuss, but is essential to honesty. It’s encouraging to realize God provides special moments for being honest about troubling thoughts and feelings. Although it takes maximum courage to overcome the fear of being honest, honesty can save a relationship while providing peace that only God can provide.