Conflict a Way Forward

Remaining true to our beliefs is an act of integrity that is often challenging in this “people pleasing” world. Christ calls us to hold tight to the values and teachings of the church and Gospel despite the temptation to give into the popular opinions of the crowd. Paul tells us not to conform to the world but conform the world to Christ. That is a tall order in a society where it is easier to give in and sell out in order to avoid conflict. Yet conflict is often necessary.

Jesus initiated conflict as he spoke to the religious leaders of his day, yet he did so in love, not out of ego. Conflict while uncomfortable is often necessary to create the traction and tension that moves us forward together in life. Yet many of us are frightened and wish to avoid conflict. Most of us don’t care for the awkwardness that conflict creates. The bottom line is that conflict is simply frightening and uncomfortable for many of us.

It is through our differences that conflict most often aries. As children of God we are all diveserse in nature. It is natural that people will disagree over personal views or ideas. Conflict stirs strong feelings such as the need to feel secure, respected, valued, or even the need for intimacy and to be understood.

Don’t be afraid of healthy conflict. It is what allows us the freedom to live life as the people God created us. What is important however is that we not use conflict as a club to bludgeon others or create divisiveness. Conflict allows us to express ourselves through civility. And finally despite our differences it is important to remember that our baptismal covenant calls us to honor the dignity of every human being.