Conflict With Others.
Our conflict with others is a result of the fall of mankind. However, can we have hope for peace? Is lasting peace even possible?
Is Peace Possible?
Many would agree that the only way peace can happen is through individual effort; that it must begin within the heart of every human being, but is this possible?
We have been looking at the conflict types that are the foundation for making a good story and applying these to spiritual truths. Biblically we have seen that inner peace, and salvation can only come from an outside source: God Himself. If we continue to place our faith in the efforts of humanity, our striving for world peace is futile.
Good or Evil
In this series the question has been raised; “are humans born inherently good or evil?” Your personal answer to this question is very important and defines your world view. I believe the biblical view gives us the most logical and practical answer and it is well defined by the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans 3:10-18,
There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Romans 3:10-18
For many this is seen as a very negative view of our human nature; exaggerated, pointing out the characteristics of “some” people; therefore, it is not representative of everyone. Because we are all capable of love and care for one another; many would say “we are not totally evil and against God.” It is true that we can all have good intentions and embark on efforts with the welfare of others in mind, but it doesn’t last. A cloud will eventually form bringing with it the rain of human failings.
If we are honest with ourselves, we admit that there are times when wickedness and absolute selfishness rises in our hearts. Where does that come from?
Mankind’s Fall Into Sin
We don’t get far into the book of Genesis following humankind’s fall into sin, when we read of the first murder. Chapter 4 begins introducing us to Adam and Eve’s first children; Cain, the first born and his brother Abel. Both men brought an offering to the Lord, but Cain’s offering was not acceptable; there are many opinions and suggestions as to what was wrong with Cain’s offering, but that discussion is not necessary for our study.
Cain became visibly angry and upset at God’s response. God approached him and asked him; “Why are you so angry? Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Here God is approaching Cain reasoning with him to master his emotions. Cain now has the choice to either battle against his sin of anger or give into it. In the next verse we see that he decided to give-in to his sin, rather than have emotional control, he chose to let anger rule to the degree of killing his brother Abel.
Who was Cain actually angry at? It was God that rejected his sacrificial offering, not Abel. Was he jealous of Abel? Was he disappointed in himself and took it out on him? Or did he take his anger at God out on Abel?
The Human Heart
We cannot have a sure answer to this question, but one definite response to it can be found in Jeremiah 17:9,
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?
Jeremiah 17:9
Another is found in James,
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?
James 4:1
We can manufacture, in our minds, power struggles with one another. Our sin nature stirs in us the lust to oppose anyone who opposes us. Are we easily offended when someone does not have the same view as us or they don’t appreciate something we said or did? Do we get our backs up over things, that in most cases, we should not take personally?
Pride is always ready for a fight.
When we carefully examine the inner workings of human pride, we become more aware of the side of our thinking that is motivated by our selfishness. If we become conscience of this, it will help us in disarming our own ego.
Questioning Our Hearts
Here are some examples of typical self-oriented thinking scenarios that might aid us in questioning our own hearts:
Do we sometimes see ourselves as better than others?
How easily do we get caught in the mental game of “one-upmanship,” with co-workers, and neighbors; being driven by the sin of jealousy and covetousness?
Are there times we tend to not feel respected or appreciated enough by others?
Is our ladder of personal success never high enough? Does competitiveness motivate our personal achievements and our success is then obtained at the expense of others?
How often are we selfish and self-centered, refusing to admit our wrongs?
Are there instances we are unwilling to see through the eyes of another and have compassion for them?
What is the biblical solution? Is there anything, hands down, that would bring peace between people?
Jesus is the Answer to Conflict with Others
The Bible points us to the Lord Jesus Christ as the answer; to follow in His steps as the greatest example of humility and servitude, the world has ever had. The Apostle Paul pleads to the Christians in Philippi to follow in the steps of Jesus in their mind, attitude and conduct.
Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11
What a contrast to the world and ourselves! If there was ever anyone who lived who had the right to be honored, respected, and given a high position, it was Jesus. But no, He chose to put others above Himself. He served others instead of others serving Him. He was slandered by those who hated Him and was treated unfairly. He faced an unjust trial and chose to not defend Himself even though His life was on the line.
Jesus’ Sacrifice
The sacrifice of His life for us was a peace offering on our behalf, so all who believe on Him can have peace with God. Anyone who truly knows the love He has for them; His character will naturally pour over into every aspect of their lives. It causes us to be sympathetic to others, knowing that Jesus, who died for someone as undeserving as me, also died for them. Knowing the peace of God, will devalue any personal battles we feel necessary to fight.
Jesus said; “Freely you have received; freely give.” The point He is making is if we have been graciously given, or forgiven something, in like manner we should do the same. If God can forgive us, why can’t we forgive others?
Similarly, he said in John 15:12,13
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:12-13
Love Defeats Conflict With Others
In 1 Corinthians 12:31, the Apostle Paul says to his readers;
…now let me show you a way of life that is best of all
1 Corinthians 12:3
..and he leads into the next chapter on love:
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance… love will last forever!
I Corinthians 13:4-7
What we can take from this is, love is always the best choice. If we are going to react to an insult, or a hurt against us, love is the best response. Is that easy? No, but it would sure make this world a better place if we all made this a priority in our lives!
Our Faith in Bible Promises
Ultimately our faith should rest in the Bible’s promises that there will be a coming day when Jesus will return from heaven, set up His kingdom, and sit on His throne, reigning over all the earth. Those who believe in Him will reign with Him. Peace will finally come to the world, through the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4 says,
He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Isaiah 2:4
As we go through this series there is a reoccurring theme, maybe you have noticed; when it comes to victory in an external conflict, the pre-battle warfare must be won from within first. We must be right with God and right on the inside; having a humble spirit, trusting alone in the Lord’s strength.
The true fight we face is not against each other, but against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms – despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”
What do you think is the reason for our conflict with others? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
The Complete Conquering Conflict Series Links
Mark lives rural in Fenwick, Ontario with his wife Michelle and three boys.
He joined the FBH International team in February 2022, coming from the business world with a design and art background.
Mark is particularly interested in seeing people come to Christ and grow in their faith. He recently produced the series entitled: Sow to Grow.
Mark serves as an elder at Brockview Bible Chapel in St.Catharines , Ontario.
Visit Mark’s contributor’s page here.
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