What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is the source not your pleasures that wage war in your body’s parts? James 4:1
We’ve all heard it said: there are two sides to every argument. But this is much harder to keep in view when we have been offended. As much as we point to other people as the reason for our conflict, this passage reminds us of the source we often overlook. We become so accustomed to pointing the finger that it often takes us a long time to consider how we have contributed to the conflicts in our lives. Our view is challenged when we look at God’s Word. He has taken time to not just fix the problem of sin in general but to address the sin in each of our hearts. He is redeeming all creation, but also bringing healing and restoration in our own lives as we surrender to Him.
Resolving conflict is more than just another person changing; it is allowing God to change our hearts and address the bitterness that has clouded our view. We need the humility to recognize we have a part to play in our conflict and sins we need to repent from. When we want to solve a problem of a leak or a car issue, we take time to understand the source of the issue before making quick fixes. This is also something we need in times of conflict. In recognizing our own sin, we not only address the conflict that bothers us but also receive healing from our heavenly Father, who is always ready to forgive.
- What are some conflicts you have been in recently? What are some ways you’ve contributed to them?
- What are some reasons it is hard to see your own fault in conflict? How might you grow in recognizing this?
- Pray and ask God to help you recognize where you have contributed to the conflict in your life.
