Thoughts on Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION WITH ONE ANOTHER.

Conflict destroys relationships. It hurts, kills, and sinks relationships. For the believer, damage caused by unresolved conflict is threefold:

• It blocks fellowship with God (1 John 4:20)
• It hinders our prayers (1 Peter 3:7)
• It blocks personal righteousness (James 3:18)

The only answer is reconciliation—not resolution. One can gain resolution to a conflict without be reconciled to the person. Resolution may resolve the issue, be it will not reestablish the relationship. Our aim should ALWAYS be reconciliation.

Here are some suggested ways to be reconciled to one another:

• Make the first move and take ownership (Matthew 5:23-24).
• Ask God for wisdom on how to deal with the other (James 1:5).
• Be humble (James 4:1, Philippians 2:4-5).
• Fix the problem, not the blame. Blame never fixes anything.  Take blame out of the way. (Colossians 3:8).
• Go in with your ears open and your mouth shut (James 1:19, Romans 15:2).
• Speak the truth tactfully (Proverbs 12:8, Ephesians 4:29).
• Love the other person (Romans 13:8)