Week 310

Positive post Sunday, February 5, 2023- Week 310. 

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to conflict resolution this week.  We all experience conflict in our lives, those times when we may not see eye to eye with someone.  I can think of several examples or experiences in both my personal life and professional life where I’ve had the opportunity to turn hate and misunderstanding into love and learning.  

It has often been said that our greatest growth comes from our most significant challenges.  You know the saying, “No pain, no gain”.  Although intended for fitness and exercise, I believe this is also true in relationships.  How we work together through the most challenging times, especially in those relationships we value most, will determine how successful, strong and sustainable our relationships are.  It’s often not easy and the results are not always favorable, but when we put our heart and soul into it, the results can be life changing.

So, how do we love those we disagree with?  My first reaction to this question is to seek guidance from a higher authority, the Lord.  As noted in the attached brief but powerful prayer, being thankful to share another day is a good place to start.  It certainly puts things in perspective and reminds us that although we all have conflicts and challenges in our lives, we are blessed each and every day we wake up.  

There are numerous books and writings on how to manage conflict and improve relationships that I could share.  However, while doing my weekly research, I found a very thoughtful and faith-based article I felt was worth sharing.  It’s written by Melanie Campbell, a member of Oregon Christian Writers and ACFW.  Her debut novel, One Woman Falling, won the Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Award.  

The title of Melanie’s article that caught my attention is “5 Biblical Ways to Love Those You Disagree With”.  I’ve listed the 5 Biblical Ways to Love Those You Disagree With below, but I encourage you to read the full article (Google it as the link is too long to post).  I found it to be very insightful and useful.

5 Biblical Ways to Love Those You Disagree With

1. Listen
2. Be humble
3. Lament with the broken hearted
4. Pray
5. Rejoice in the truth

How have you turned hate and misunderstanding into love and learning?

How do you love those you disagree with?

How do you take personal responsibility to nurture the relationships that are important to you?