What is a Conflict?

1. Profound lack of understanding between two or more parties.
   "for example between generations".
2. BY EXTENSION
   shock, coping.

What does the bible say about conflict?

Why go through conflicts? Have you ever wondered the real reason for so many conflicts, hills and valleys, ups and downs, that a Christian needs to go through? Why does God shake us?

There are several biblical examples of men and women of God who have had the opportunity to grow through their conflicts. Moses had to choose between living as an Egyptian or assuming his nationality as a Hebrew; Daniel had to choose between the king's fine delicacies and his identity as belonging to the people of Israel; Ruth had to choose between going back to the gods of Moab and going with Naomi the only God of the people of Israel; the disciples could have chosen to go on with their own lives, but they abandoned everything to follow Jesus.

A Christian's walk is full of hills and valleys. Often these sufferings are ways that the Father uses to discipline us (Hebrews 12:6-8). And these moments are also opportunities to praise the Lord and persevere on this journey (James 1:2-4). God appeared in the whirlwind of Job's life and also wants to appear in his own. Be sure to turn to Him when conflicts are suffocating you.

The Lord allows us to experience suffering. We are shaken to become unshakable (1 Cor. 15:58). Many of the Psalms written by David were inspired by moments when his soul was in deep distress. When Job allowed God to work within him through his conflict, he received twice as much as he had (Job 42:10). If you allow the Lord to be present in your conflicts, you will be blessed in each of your decisions and difficulties.

Ways to resolve conflicts

1. Listening before speaking
   If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame (Proverbs 18:13).
   Many discussions get ugly because no one is listening to what the other is saying! Try to understand the reason for the annoyance before answering.
2. Respond calmly
   A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
3. Ignore the insult
   The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult (Proverbs 12:16).
   During a fight people say things they shouldn't do, to make the other person lose control. Ignoring the insult shows maturity and that the other cannot affect you.
4. Do not reply
   Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all (Romans 12:17).
   When you return evil for evil, you lose all reason. To retort only makes the fight worse. If you act correctly, you will have the moral advantage.
5. Treat with respect
   O homem que não tem juízo ridiculariza o seu próximo, mas o que tem entendimento refreia a língua (Proverbs 11:12).
   Ridicularizar o outro só o vai enfurecer mais. Quando a outra pessoa se sente respeitada, vai se acalmar.
6. Ter paciência
   A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention (Proverbs 15:18).
   Many conflicts happen because the people involved are not patient. Having a little patience to try to understand what is going on calms the conflict.
7. Forgiving
   Forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Colossians 3:13).
   At the end of every conflict, forgiveness is needed. When there is no forgiveness, resentment comes and more conflicts can happen. Forgiving restores friendships.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9).

Deus te abençoe!

Text Conflict or Strife in the Bible

Proverbs 13:10

By insolence the heedless make strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 17:1, 14

MBetter is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

Proverbs 18:6

A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.

Proverbs 22:10

Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.

Proverbs 26:20

For lack of wood the fire goes out; and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

Acts 15:1-2, 5, 10, 19-20

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.
5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up, and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses."
10 Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from unchastity and from what is strangled and from blood.

Titus 3:9

But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.