I recently read a book by Ken Sande, The Peace Maker – A Biblical Guide to Resolving Conflict. This is a must read for all Christians as it helps us get the right perspective on conflict in our life and the world we live in. A few key points I wanted to share:
- When someone mistreats or opposes us, our instinctive reaction is to justify ourselves and do everything we can to get our way. This selfish attitude usually leads to impulsive decisions that only make matters worse.
- By your actions you will show either you have a big God or that you have a big self and big problems.
- God’s highest purpose for you is not to make you comfortable, wealthy or happy…he plans to conform you to the likeness of his Son!
- Conflict is one of the many tools that God will use to help you develp a more Christ-like character.
- Having wisdom does not mean that you understand all of God’s ways; it means that you respond to life God’s way.
- When we make peace with those that have wronged or mistreated us, others will often realize that God himself is working in and through us. (1 Peter 2:12)