trbccoffeebreak

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hyprocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” James 3:17-18 (HCSB)

I was right and yes, I knew I was right, but sometimes…..sometimes proving right is overrated. Hard to say and harder to admit. Interacting with people who like us think they are right knocking up against our right equals conflict. We each square off in our corner and dare the other to convince us to rethink our right. Frustration rises. Angry words are exchanged. Listening is totally shutdown. We even convince others to join our corner under the false illusion that our truth will win out. End result nothing gets done because we’re both so right we can’t work together as one.

Teamwork was never meant to be a group of one. From the very beginning God designed us to live in community: to worship, celebrate and grow together. Anytime, you mix personalities and preferences conflict can arise. Healthy conflict is a natural part of individuals created uniquely different yet yielded to God’s agenda. When we choose to navigate through conflict with respect, we are extensions of God’s love and grace. Leaving our “I’m right, you’re wrong corners” opens wide the door for communication and intentional listening. The amazing thing is – sometimes we really are right and sometimes we are really wrong. Spiritual maturity is not afraid to stand on truth and not too proud to admit when they are wrong. Proving is cast aside because glorifying God refocuses our preferences. As one body of believers united, we can accomplish far more than we ever imagined.

So who’s corner are we really in – our own, someone else’s or Gods?

“Father it is so easy to choose sides and demand our own right – help us to handle conflict with grace and mercy.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break