In our journey through life, conflict is inevitable. Today, we began a series on understanding and managing conflict, drawing from a courtroom story in Florida where a judge and a public defender let their tempers lead to a physical altercation. This story serves as a reminder of how irrational and destructive conflict can become when anger takes control. As we navigate through high-emotion periods like election cycles or family gatherings, it's crucial to recognize that most conflicts are self-created and not based on substantial issues. Often, these conflicts arise from our own anger, insecurities, or grudges.
Proverbs 19:11 teaches us that wise people weigh the cost of conflict. They control their temper and earn respect by overlooking wrongs. This wisdom literature from the Old Testament, attributed to King Solomon, offers timeless advice on living a life marked by discernment and peace. Sensible people have perspective; they see the bigger picture and understand the consequences of their actions. They avoid unnecessary conflicts by taking a step back and assessing the situation with a calm mind.
We explored the importance of perspective through a story of mistaken car theft, illustrating how understanding the full context can change our emotional response. Similarly, in our interactions, we must strive to understand others' circumstances before reacting. This approach not only prevents unnecessary conflict but also fosters respect and admiration from others.
As we continue this series, we aim to eliminate unnecessary conflicts by asking ourselves two critical questions: What do we hope to achieve from the conflict, and does overlooking it lead to worse outcomes? By addressing these questions, we can discern when to engage in conflict and when to let go, ensuring that our actions are guided by wisdom and love.
