The response we give to conflict can be corrupted through time. This is why in Ken Sande's book titled, "The Peacemaker," he has called it a "slippery slope."
Rebroadcasted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Ken Sande (Baker Books, 3d ed., 2003). Peacemaker® Ministries www.Peacemaker.net
As you can see, being in either the blue (escape) or red (attack) zones does not resolve conflict. For more explanation, visit this page (below) on their website. As I read just this little bit I was ministered to.
Peacemaker Ministries has made available a free download of the first chapter of their flagship book, "The Peacemaker," by Ken Sande. Click here to access.
7 comments:
I have been feeling convicted lately. I want to give grace, but at the same time Christ does care about purity. Usually I think in one of two modes.
Mode 1 - My brother or sister needs a little bit of patience; every one has their weak points and especially if they confess them, I can trust them to resolve it eventually. Who am I to judge?
Mode 2 - What's the point in discussing a gospel of grace that doesn't practically possess it?
My conviction of last night is that I give grace a little structure.... This page has helped me a lot to decide to say something, but also know that it can be "saying the right thing."
The Four "G"s
A quote from Peacemakers Ministries:
"Conflict is not necessarily bad or destructive. Even when conflict is caused by sin and causes a great deal of stress, God can use it for good (see Rom. 8:28-29). As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, conflict actually provides three significant opportunities.
By God's grace, you can use conflict to:
Glorify God (by trusting, obeying, and imitating him)
Serve other people (by helping to bear their burdens or by confronting them in love)
Grow to be like Christ (by confessing sin and turning from attitudes that promote conflict).
These concepts are totally overlooked in most conflicts because people naturally focus on escaping from the situation or overcoming their opponent. Therefore, it is wise to periodically step back from a conflict and ask yourself whether you are doing all that you can to take advantage of these special opportunities."
Words to the wise, Michele.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
God bless you, Michele. What a blessing you are to us.
Hi Peggie,
I'm glad we are friends on facebook. Nice job on the blog in the last few months!! I should go back and comment, but I loved the rockingchair post, things like that give such depth to life, don't you think?
God bless you and your husband
Michele
Hi Michele. Wow...this thing is more slippery than I thought! :)
Hi Peggie! Hi Jim!
Hi Gary! You're funny! :D
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