Most people would opt for a conflict-free world. Where everyone got on together, no disagreements. Perhaps like the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve at the forbidden fruit.
In The Cornish Vicar's Daughter, Janet tells Peter (Chapter 3, p.39) "... having a bit of a punch-up can be good; it shows we care for each other and when we make up our firendship is stringer." Conflict! He gets a similar lesson from Charlene (Chapter 17 p.361) "...he (God) knew the pain we both felt and sometimes, the only way to do this is with a fight first." Conflict again!
But, like everything in the world, God allows conflict for a reason. Yes, he'd rather everyone lived in harmony, but he knows that our sinful nature makes this an impossibility. But as Romans 8:28 says ("... in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."), there is a positive side to conflict. Just as Holly Barnes writes in her post The Blessings of Conflict .
Conflict takes a big toll on everyone involved. Regardless of who’s right or wrong – regardless of ambiguities, complexities, or blatant sin issues – the tension of unresolved conflict builds up until it impacts almost every area of our lives.
Conflict is an inevitable consequence of living in a fallen world. However, being inevitable doesn’t mean it’s insurmountable.
In fact, conflict between fellow believers, when handled biblically, can be a priceless opportunity to strengthen our walk with the Lord, develop deeper fellowship with one another, and build character. The trick is in how we approach it.
If we approach conflict within the body of Christ with a genuine desire to glorify God, bring about reconciliation, and with a heart that is soft to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we will discover that conflict can be a blessing!
She makes the following points:
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Conflict Promotes Prayer
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Conflict Facilitates Deeper Fellowship
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Conflict Develops Compassion
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Conflict Provides Opportunities for Peacemaking
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Conflict Builds Character
She ends with these encouraging words...
The Hope of Christ in Conflict
Conflict is hard for everyone involved, but it can be an opportunity to glorify God, build godly character, and grow deeper love for the Lord and others. We’re all learning as we go, but I pray these potential blessings resulting from trials give you as much hope as they have given me.
If we respond biblically in every situation we encounter, He will use even conflict to strengthen our faith and character.
Embrace conflict and you will soon see how being sanctified through trials turns out to be a blessing to us and others.
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