On a daily basis I observe relational conflict, whether I am counseling a high school student at my internship placement, listening to prayers requests in my weekly Bible study or just in my own family systems. Lately the Lord has been changing my perspective. When it comes to conflict, we can’t always stop it from happening. We can’t always control how it impacts us. And we definitely can’t influence how it impacts someone else and how they may respond. As Christ followers, all we have is our dependence for guidance: Lord, what will you have me do? How can I handle this with maturity, love and grace? What are you trying to teach and grow in me here?
Often, we see conflict as a thorn in our sides, a frustration and even as pain. But what if every time a conflict arises, we start looking at it as an opportunity, instead? An opportunity to show grace and love even when we don’t feel like it, to practice healthy confrontation, and to bring Him ultimate glory. Maybe our conflicts and struggles are all just preparation.
Do you have a relational conflict? Here are 10 powerful bible verses that can guide you to reconciliation. Here you have an invitation from the Lord to show His redemptive power, to resist the devil and to allow more of His grace to flow to you and through you. There is so much that can be learned if we allow Him to change our perspective and we let Him navigate us through these issues.
If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. (Matthew 18:15)
If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. (Romans 12:17-18)
Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace. (Proverbs 15:18)
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
The Lord will fight for you, and all you have to do is keep still. (Exodus 14:14)
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children! (Matthew 5:9)
Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:13-14)
Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18)
Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Image credit: Aaron Burden