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- Oct 26, 2007
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If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 ESV
What causes conflict in relationships? The first example in the Bible was between Cain and Abel. Cain slew his brother because God regarded Abel’s sacrifice and not his own. Six generations later, one of Cain’s descendants bragged about killing a man who had injured him. Solomon observed that men toiled for gain from envy of their neighbor. James summed it up this way: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1).
But conflict can also arise for right reasons. Jesus preached the truth and faced opposition throughout His life, growing from public debate to murder: “And they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him” (Matthew 26:4). Opposition is part of our calling. Paul said that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
The challenge for believers is to identify the source of conflict. Does something inside you add to the conflict in your life? God can root that out if you ask Him. Is the conflict because of your stand for Christ? Be encouraged as His servant, not “quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” (2 Timothy 2:24).
Prayer: Father, forgive me when I cause conflict. Strengthen me to seek peace where it can be found.
What causes conflict in relationships? The first example in the Bible was between Cain and Abel. Cain slew his brother because God regarded Abel’s sacrifice and not his own. Six generations later, one of Cain’s descendants bragged about killing a man who had injured him. Solomon observed that men toiled for gain from envy of their neighbor. James summed it up this way: “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1).
But conflict can also arise for right reasons. Jesus preached the truth and faced opposition throughout His life, growing from public debate to murder: “And they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him” (Matthew 26:4). Opposition is part of our calling. Paul said that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
The challenge for believers is to identify the source of conflict. Does something inside you add to the conflict in your life? God can root that out if you ask Him. Is the conflict because of your stand for Christ? Be encouraged as His servant, not “quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” (2 Timothy 2:24).
Prayer: Father, forgive me when I cause conflict. Strengthen me to seek peace where it can be found.
