1 John 2:1 says we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. God cherishes reconciliation more than gifts or offerings therefore He has given us clear directions by which to resolve conflicts or disputes. They include the following:
Possess a positive mind and heart
We must approach settlement in good faith without mistrust. God is in control and works with those who have a pure heart, an open mind and an honest soul. Matthew 5:8 says blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. With a free heart in full assurance of faith in Christ Jesus, we are able to freely discuss and settle conflicts. God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart, Psalms 73:1. We offend God yet he calls us in good faith to settle with him.
Proverbs 20:9 says who can say I have made my heart clean; I am pure from my sin? We all have shortcomings and must not assume we are faultless before Christ Jesus. We must commit our conflicts to the Lord and trust in him to act, Psalms 37:5. God will not let us be tempted beyond our strength, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Conflicts make us perfect, James 1:2-4. With a pure heart to settle, we can joyfully give thanks to God by the will of Christ Jesus for us, 1 Thessalonians 5:18. We must be positive because of Christ Jesus. The battle is the Lord’s, not ours so we must trust him to see us through.
Seek divine wisdom
The character and complexity of conflicts requires wisdom and understanding which come from God. 1 Corinthians 1:25 says the foolishness of God is wiser than men. We thus need higher wisdom than that of man. We must be careful about how we pursue settlement using Christ as the foundation of our wisdom and understanding. Christ is honest, truthful, fair and just. 1 Corinthians 3:10 says take care how you build upon God’s foundation.
Unfortunately, some of us are building on God’s foundation or laying new foundations rather using the wrong materials including spirits of occultism; foul powers of darkness; positions of power; among many others. 1 Corinthians 3: 11 says no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus. The builder of all things is God, Hebrews 3:4. It is with Christ that conflict however its nature is resolved and without him, we are bound based on our own wisdom and direction. Anything or solution apart from Christ Jesus is only temporary and will not last. When we patronize ungodly sources to resolve conflicts, we rather generational curses on us and generations after us thereby we incur God’s clear rejection. We sell our souls to the devil because we do not trust God.
1 Peter 2:7 says Jesus is the very stone which the builders rejected now the head of the corner. We must not reject divine wisdom and understanding in matters of conflict. James 1:5 says if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who freely gives to all men. Solomon asked of God and he freely received. Job 12:12-13 says with God wisdom and might he has counsel and understanding. Divine wisdom is the ultimate, let us ask God for it.
Ask for divine grace
Matters involved in or encompassing conflicts are often beyond the human eye. They are sometimes very deadly and except by grace we may be victims in other respects. We are often ignorant of the dark alleys of conflicts and sometimes the innocent are consumed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says my (God) grace is sufficient for you and my power is made perfect in weaknesses. Without grace, many who attempted resolving conflicts have been consumed or destroyed by afflictions including death or illness from the very conflicts which they sought to resolve.
All our successes and victories in battle or challenges are by grace not by our works. John 1:16 says from God’s fullness have we all received grace upon grace. Only fools do not appreciate God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Psalms 14:1; 53:1 says the fool says in his heart, there is no God. We confess that Christ Jesus is Lord and we need his grace in order to settle conflicts or battles without exception.
Adopt an attitude of prayer
Prayer is one of the greatest weapons for a Christian in battle. It must be part and parcel of us because through prayer we connect with God. Satan is afraid of prayer because it immobilizes his operations against us. A true Christian will always commit every situation to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Jesus also enjoins us to pray always and not to lose heart, Luke 18:1.
We have the assurance to receive whatever we ask in faith, Matthew 21:22. Most of our conflicts give us sleepless nights though in public we foolishly brave them with pretense. Any time we encounter conflicts, we must pray about it lest we will sink deeper into worse conflicts. Matthew 26:41 says watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. Matthew 5:44 says love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Are we ready to reconcile or settle with our enemies and persecutors for the sake of Christ Jesus? If so, we must commit to prayer as a divine duty.
Adopt an attitude of peace
Conflicts are resolved for peace to prevail. Therefore the atmosphere for settlement as well as the parties to the settlement must be agents of peace through Christ Jesus. Peace is Christ and through Christ. The opposite of peace is confusion or chaos or conflict which is the devil. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. Therefore Jesus said in John 14:27 that peace I leave you; my peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Peace shows good faith and readiness to settle or overcome conflicts. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says agree with one another, live in peace that God will be with you. Mark 9:50 says be at peace with one another. Romans 12:18 says if possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Peace elicits blessings. Matthew 5:9 says blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Let our object be divine peace for God is a God of peace in Christ Jesus. An attitude of peace results in a lasting win-win situation without any future simmering disappointment, anger, acrimony or vengeance.
May our prayer be that in our battles in conflict, the Lord Jesus Christ will establish peace among his children with whom he is well pleased, Luke 2:29.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, in your mercy hear us as we pray that we may assist to lift the burden of those embroiled in conflict through forgiveness, respect and divine humility. In your name we pray, Amen!!
