Conflict Provides Opportunities
1 Corinthians 10:31-11, the apostle Paul teaches that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, to serve others, and to grow to be like Christ. This concern for faithfulness to God, compassion and mercy toward others, and righteous behavior is echoed throughout Scripture. In Micah 6:8 we are told, “He has showed you, 0 man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” In the same way, Jesus teaches us to pay attention to “the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matt. 23:23). As you live out the gospel and make the Lord’s priorities your priorities, you can turn every conflict into a stepping-stone to a closer relationship with God and a more fulfilling and fruitful Christian life.
1. Briefly summarize your dispute as you perceive it, placing events in chronological order. Include what you have done to resolve the dispute. (Use additional paper if necessary.)
2. Which response to conflict (escape, attack, or peacemaking) have you been using to resolve this dispute? (See the Slippery Slope diagram, PM @ 22-27.) How has your response made the situation better or worse?
3. From this point on, how could you glorify God through this conflict? (PM @ 29-34; see 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Pet. 2:12; Prov. 3:5-7; Eph. 5:1; John 14:15-31). Specifically, how could you please and honor God in this situation?
4. How could you serve others through this conflict? (PM @ 34-36; see Luke 6:27-28; Gal. 6:1-2; Rom. 12:20; Matt. 18:15)
5. How could you grow to be more like Christ through this conflict? (PM @ 36-37; see 2 Cor. 12:7¬10; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:12-18)
