Tuesday 18th September 2018
'If you have anything against anyone, forgive him.' Mark 11:25 NKJV
No matter how good our relationships with others are, conflicts will happen. And when they do, it's good to be able to manage them well. How do we do that? A good starting point is to learn to exercise self-control, which is what keeps conflicts from escalating in the first place. We also need to learn to manage feelings of hurt, anger and disappointment that fuel conflict.
The Bible says: 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge... but love your neighbour as yourself.' (Leviticus 19:18 NLT). As followers of Jesus, we're called to, 'be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ' (Ephesians 4:32 NCV). This is much easier said than done, especially when we're battling our emotions. Emotional hurt and tension are almost impossible to deal with in our own strength.
So, let's look to God for the answers. He doesn't remember our mistakes or hold them against us. The Bible says: 'I am the one who erases all your sins, for my sake; I will not remember your sins' (Isaiah 43:25 NCV).
So, in order to grow in godly character, let's ask God to help us manage conflict well so that we reflect him.
So what now? Make a list, in pencil, of all the conflict-filled situations in your life that have left you hurt or holding grudges. Go through the list and take each one to God, asking him to help you show self-control, extend grace and offer forgiveness. As you do, erase that thing from your list.
'If you have anything against anyone, forgive him.' Mark 11:25 NKJV
No matter how good our relationships with others are, conflicts will happen. And when they do, it's good to be able to manage them well. How do we do that? A good starting point is to learn to exercise self-control, which is what keeps conflicts from escalating in the first place. We also need to learn to manage feelings of hurt, anger and disappointment that fuel conflict.
The Bible says: 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge... but love your neighbour as yourself.' (Leviticus 19:18 NLT). As followers of Jesus, we're called to, 'be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ' (Ephesians 4:32 NCV). This is much easier said than done, especially when we're battling our emotions. Emotional hurt and tension are almost impossible to deal with in our own strength.
So, let's look to God for the answers. He doesn't remember our mistakes or hold them against us. The Bible says: 'I am the one who erases all your sins, for my sake; I will not remember your sins' (Isaiah 43:25 NCV).
So, in order to grow in godly character, let's ask God to help us manage conflict well so that we reflect him.
So what now? Make a list, in pencil, of all the conflict-filled situations in your life that have left you hurt or holding grudges. Go through the list and take each one to God, asking him to help you show self-control, extend grace and offer forgiveness. As you do, erase that thing from your list.
