What is conflict?

Do you have conflict in your life? In your church? Or do you view conflict as something that only happens in other people’s lives?

We often have filters on our ears, eyes and hearts, so that we view conflict as something which involves other people or other congregations – not us, not ours.

But what is conflict, really? How do you see it? Conflict can be defined as a difference in opinion or purpose that frustrates someone’s goals or desires.

It can be between:

• individuals
• an individual and a group
• different groups of people.

What causes conflict? There are a variety of reasons behind it: misunderstandings; differences in values, goals, expectations, interests, or opinions; and competition over limited resources are just a few.

It affects us all. King David tells us that conflict is inevitable and should be expected. Why? He explains in Psalm 51:5, where he writes: ‘Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me’.

Elaborating on what the Psalmist says, the apostle James also asks what causes the ‘fights and quarrels’ among us. ‘Don’t they come from the desires that battle within you?’ (James 4:1)

We can even come to view conflict as an OPPORTUNITY – provided we turn to God’s word for remedy.

In a nutshell, the root cause of our conflict is sin. Our sinful attitudes and desires lead to sinful words and actions – which equals conflict.

Our situation sounds hopeless, doesn’t it? But it isn’t! That’s where biblical reconciliation comes into its own. We can even come to view conflict as an opportunity – provided we turn to God’s word for remedy.

God says in his word, that by his death, Jesus has paid the price for every conflict, past, present and future, so we can truly experience the healing of the gospel in all its glory.

God wants to reconcile us to himself so that how we work through conflict within his family becomes an opportunity to glorify Him. Your hope in working through conflict is in your identity as a baptised child of God who is forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ.

With this assurance of God’s love, the Holy Spirit can lead you in Christ to take up the opportunities you have when facing conflict. Then the questions you ask and your attitude toward conflict naturally change. ‘How can I glorify God through my response when conflict occurs?’ ‘How can I give witness to what Christ has done for all people?’

Paul Kerber is the LCA’s Assistant to the Bishop – Reconciliation Ministry

Contact Reconciliation Ministry at:

a: 197 Archer Street,

North Adelaide SA 5006

e: paul.kerber@staging.lca.org.au

p: 08 8267 7300

or mobile: 0400 186 916

This feature story comes from The Lutheran June 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.