Week 303

Positive post Sunday, December 18, 2022- Week 303. 

I have had the privilege to coach many members of my family, friends and colleagues in my personal and professional life.  One theme that is always present, especially when dealing with conflict, is to “Take the High Road”.  I’m the first to admit that this is often easier said than done, but if our goal is to resolve the conflict and restore relationships, along with God’s guidance, it’s the right thing to do.  

There are those times when relationships are strained and others choose to ” Fight fire with fire” or go ” Tit for tat”, which makes It hard to “Turn the other cheek”.  It is especially difficult to rebuild relationships when you feel ignored, betrayed, or beleaguered by others who do not share your values of honesty and integrity and who choose to act unethically.  Or those that are more focused on themselves and their personal gains rather than serving and uplifting others.

It is my belief that the road to resolving conflict and rebuilding or strengthening relationships begins with prayer and forgiveness.  This is a core part of my faith and included in the family prayer I wrote and shared in last week’s PPS, “Grant our family forgiveness for any sins we have committed, and although sometimes difficult, give us strength to forgive one another Lord.”  Or, as Jesus put it himself in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Praying for the forgiveness of others when you feel you have been treated unfairly or taken advantage of is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength, built on a foundation of faith, an acknowledgement of a belief that transcends our human interactions here on earth.

We are all fighting battles in our lives.  With compassion and empathy, seeking to understand why others are acting a certain way, is an important step on the road to rebuilding relationships and resolving conflict. 

I certainly understand and have experienced conflict that appears insurmountable to resolve, where it’s hard to see the other point of view, or others are not acting with honesty and integrity or have alternative motives.  It is my belief that, along with prayer and forgiveness, it is important and constructive to hold us all accountable for our actions, especially when those actions are harmful to others and intentional.  Always seek to understand and look for common ground, but never compromise your faith and values.  Follow your heart and seek God’s guidance.  Afterall, we should all find comfort in knowing that at the end of the day, and certainly at the end of our lives, we are judged not by each other, but by God our Father. 

Disclaimer: This is where the professor becomes the student.  When reading this PPS, my proofreader and chief editor reminded me that I should practice what I preach.  We can all learn from this PPS, including me😊

How do you lead with prayer and forgiveness and seek understanding when rebuilding relationships?

How do you act with compassion, honesty and integrity while holding others accountable for their actions?