Then the sons of Reuben, the sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered and spoke to the heads of the families of Israel. “The Mighty One, God, the Lord, the Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows, and may Israel itself know. If it was in rebellion, or if in an unfaithful act against the Lord, do not save us this day! If we have built us an altar to turn away from following the Lord, or if to offer a burnt offering or grain offering on it, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings on it, may the Lord Himself demand it. But truly we have done this out of concern, for a reason, saying, ‘In time to come your sons may say to our sons, “What have you to do with the Lord, the God of Israel?”’”

Every conflict has more than one side to the story. When the Israelites handled the conflict with the sons of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, they brought forward their concerns and then listened to others’ responses. Truly listening is one of the hardest aspects of conflict. In our anger, we are ready to jump in with our thoughts or hurtful retorts. We are ready to defend our point at all costs. In this situation, when the Israelites took the time to listen, they realized many of their assumptions were wrong and the sons of Reuben had a genuine heart for God.

How many of our conflicts could be resolved if we took the time to listen to one another instead of only waiting for the chance to make our point? What would be set straight if we heard the other side of the story? James 1:19-20 says, “You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.” Let’s be people who are quick to hear the other side of the story, even when we disagree. Let’s rely on God for patience, even when the other person’s reasons make no sense to us. Let’s seek Him for wisdom in responding to conflict, no matter the issue.

• How likely are you to listen to the other side of the story?
• Who is most difficult for you to listen to in conflict?
• Pray for patience to listen to others in conflict and to pursue God in your response.