Two-minute read.
Conflict happens everywhere: at school, at work, at church, and at sporting events. Wherever people gather, conflict arises. The Lord made us unique; different life experiences and education give us different perspectives and opinions. Our human frailties can make us feel defensive when someone holds a different viewpoint, prompting us to strike out, rather than discuss. We don’t have to agree with everyone, nor do we have to like each other, but we do have to love others and strive to live peacefully with them.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:18
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, tells us to live at peace with others to the best of our ability. He doesn’t say agree, nor did Jesus give us that command. Peacemakers don’t force people to see things their way; instead, they respect other people’s viewpoints and strive to love the person, despite their differences. Possessing the ability to share thoughts and ideas with others, whether you agree or disagree, and do it with love, will exemplify compassion in a conflict.
Think of Jesus during the last days of His life. From the time the guards arrested Him, the Savior endured slanderous accusations and beatings, yet He did not retaliate in kind. Instead, God’s Son stood quietly, not rising to the bait. When they hung Him on the cross, Jesus went willingly, making peace between sinners and the Father.
The Lord exemplified peacemaking, striving to unite, not divide. Conflict causes division, tearing apart relationships and hurting hearts. Peacemakers break the cycle, creating harmony and unifying people. Instead of taking offense when conflict occurs, and people say things they don’t mean, we can do what Jesus did: respond with mercy and love. As Christ hung on the cross, He said eleven words that epitomize compassion in conflict:
“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they do.”
Luke 23:34
Compassion starts with forgiving offenses. Letting go of the hurt allows us to seek peace in the conflict. Finding resolution through understanding will create peace. Becoming more like Jesus means seeking peace rather than revenge. God will bless our efforts, knowing our hearts and the motivation behind our actions. Peaceful hearts seek unity and resolution. When we keep the Son in our eyes, we will find ways to show compassion in conflict instead of rising to the bait and inflaming the situation.
Journal Questions:
How does Christ show compassion in conflict from your perspective?
How can you seek peace and resolution in current conflicts in your life?
In what ways does seeking peace make you more like Jesus?
Friendship Application:
Work towards peace and resolution in whatever conflicts you encounter today.
