Conflict Isn’t Always Bad
“Conflicts are actually opportunities. That doesn’t mean the desired end always happens, but conflicts do give us opportunities to grow and change. This is true for roommates, families, neighbors, churches, institutions, cities, and nations. ” - TGC
One of the most dangerous things we can do, IMO, is to ignore Scripture’s examples of rather vehement disagreement and assume that when things “go noisy” or “go acrimonious”, that that in itself is a sign of someone’s sin. If we do that, we will tend to blame the hurting for their response to being sinned against instead of dealing with the sinful provocations they’ve endured.
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
The article is right about the good that can come out of conflict. It’s not valid though to reason that if A often leads to B, A is the only way to achieve B. We need to keep in mind all the NT calls to peace, getting along, not striving, etc.
So it’s true that avoiding conflict can become a problematic lack of communication. Just as often, if not more, people pick stupid fights and cause problems that aren’t even “about” the topic they’re fighting over.
I think as Christians our calling is to find a way to be honest and open and focused without being quarrelsome or petty or factious.
- If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (ESV, Romans 12:18)
- For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. (ESV, Galatians 5:13–15)
- Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, (ESV, Ephesians 4:15)
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
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