“God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
God wants you to live at peace with everyone. Why? Because unresolved conflict has three devastating effects in life.
First, it blocks your fellowship with God. When you’re out of harmony with others, you can’t be in harmony with God. When you’re distracted by conflict with other people, you can’t have a clear connection with God. The Bible says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar” (1 John 4:20 NLT).
Second, unresolved conflict hinders your prayers. Over and over again the Bible says that when your life is characterized by conflict, sin, and disharmony, your prayers are blocked. “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).
Third, unresolved conflict hinders your happiness. You can’t be happy and in conflict at the same time. When conflict comes in through the front door, happiness goes out the back door.
Once conflict enters a relationship, it won’t go away on its own. You can’t make it disappear by ignoring, denying, or sweeping conflict under the rug.
Have you heard the expression, “Time heals everything”? That’s simply not true. Time heals nothing! If time healed everything, you wouldn’t ever need to see the doctor. When you’ve got an open wound and you don’t deal with it, it festers. Conflict is the same way. Anger turns to resentment, and resentment turns to bitterness.
So, to get rid of conflict, you need to intentionally deal with it. Don’t wait for the other person to come to you. Go to the person you’re in conflict with. Take the initiative and be the peacemaker.
Only courageous people resolve conflict. Maybe the most courageous thing you can do is to face an issue that you’ve been ignoring for a long time—whether it’s in your marriage, with your kids, with your employees or your boss, or whoever.
Where do you find the courage to face and resolve conflict? You get it from God.
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (NLT). Let God’s Spirit fill your life, and you’ll find yourself filled with power, love, and self-discipline. God’s love will overcome fear and give you the courage to resolve conflict and bring healing to your relationships.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Discover God’s Pathway to Healing and Wholeness!
Everyone faces challenges in life—but you don’t have to stay stuck in them!
The Life’s Healing Choices Bible study from Pastor Rick offers a powerful, biblically grounded pathway to freedom and transformation.
Rooted in the Beatitudes of Jesus, this 8-session video* and workbook study will guide you to . . .
• Break free from pain and unhealthy habits. • Find true happiness and experience spiritual growth. • Build a life of wholeness and healing in Christ.
The Life’s Healing Choices Bible study is our thanks for your gift below to help take the hope of Jesus to more people through Daily Hope—so request your copy today!
We’re grateful for your partnership!
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
