Humans and conflict have co-existed since time immemorial. Ever since the creation of man, his contrasting interests and impulsive desires have taken the better of him. Therefore, conflict can be considered an inevitable concept in the human race; perhaps until God's kingdom arrives. The Bible, as one of the oldest books in existence, has recorded a couple of instances of conflict, including the infamous tussle between brothers: Jacob and Esau.
However, when the term conflict comes to mind, it connotes different things to different people. Some define it as a disagreement or argument between two or more people about a situation, with these disagreements often enduring for a long time. Whereas, others define it as a clash between individuals arising from a difference in thought process, attitude, understanding, interests, requirements, and perceptions. A conflict results in a heated argument which leads to physical abuse, war and in worse cases, loss of life.
Anger, although being beneficial as well as treacherous, is one of the causes of conflicts. This has done more harm than good in the world we live in today, which is why the Bible describes an angry person as foolish and a person who stirs up strife. Anger has caused jealousy and fueled enmity among those who should coexist.
In 1John 5vs19, the Bible describes Satan, the devil, as the controller of the world. He’s come to steal, kill, and destroy the peace on earth; the devil himself fuels earthly crisis. It is said that “He that preaches war is the devil’s chaplain”. It is of fact that we are living in a period foretold by the Bible as the last days, marked by wars, natural disasters, food shortages, and pestilences. This proves that conflict will be around for some time.
The situation crisis in Russia and Ukraine today is an example of how abominable conflict can be. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis as civilians flee for their lives. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) declared the crisis to be at the highest level of emergency the day after the invasion. More than two million refugees have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries in just 12 days, with another million displaced within the country.
Given the premise, we can see that conflict usually if not always, has a negative outcome on both sides. But Jesus taught his disciples how to handle or resolve conflict during His time of ministry on earth. These teachings apply to Christians today because they will help us be at peace with all men, as the Bible states. Before coming to worship his Father, Jehovah, Jesus taught his disciples to reconcile with their fellow Christians (neighbors) with whom they hold grudges. You can ask yourself, with whom do I have a strained relationship? Will God accept my worship to him right now? Remember that Jesus is emphatically clear that we must first be on good terms with our fellow Christians whom we can see before giving our worship to His Father whom we cannot see. By so doing, we will experience peace and harmony among ourselves.
"Pray without ceasing", Jesus instructed his followers. Christians must pray to Jehovah whenever they are in a conflicting situation. This will guide them in resolving issues; listening intently, thinking before speaking, and apologizing when appropriate.
Before involving a third party, Jesus taught his disciples to try their hardest to resolve conflicts among themselves. In a case uncontrollable, a third party can be involved (such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis); this third party should not be partial but should carry God’s presence and carry out God's will.
Ultimately, all Children of God should always remember, and live by what is written in James 1vs19-22 which says "Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness. Therefore, put away all filthiness and every trace of badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word that can save you. However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning".
Written by Adunkpe Mercy
Edited by Olujobi Bethel
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