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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Conflict never feels good. No matter how calm, cool and collected we like to play it, conflict makes us feel unsettled and misunderstood. And what’s usually worse than the conflict itself, is our response to it. There are typically two end-of-the-pendulum responses when it comes to conflict. We either isolate ourselves and hide from it, feeling ashamed and confused, or we charge toward the issue with anger and pride, believing that if we shout loud enough, people may listen to our complaints and injustices.
No matter our tendencies when it comes to responding to conflict, it all takes us to the same place, which is coincidently right where the enemy wants us, divided. Division is the enemy’s most vicious and effective weapon. It’s what drives us to the dark and lonely places in our hearts, where we are most susceptible to His lies.
There is so much power in being raw and real with each other and with ourselves. Start to think about where division has crept into your life. Is it with your family or broken relationships? Maybe division lives amongst the lies that you’ve begun to accept and believe about yourself? What about the forgiveness that seems too hard to give or too impossible to receive?
Whatever it is, speak it aloud. Voice the things that have haunted you. Talk to other believers in your life about what’s going on and give your Kingdom family the opportunity to speak truth and life to you.
Let’s begin to bridge the gap, the division. We are one team and one family with the same goal in mind and mission at heart. Together, we can support each other and remind one another of who God is and who we are as His children. We can pour out love and acceptance, just as Jesus does for us daily. We can begin to understand one another and recognize the role we all play in leading others to God and His heart.
When you feel betrayed or abandoned by those in your life, graciously remind yourself that they too are in battle with the enemy. We all have a sinful nature and our own lies to speak against and thoughts to take captive. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
We’re on the same side. We’re on the same team. Our battle is not with each other, but with the enemy. The enemy is ruthless, and the just like the chaos he has caused in your heart and life, he wants to do in another’s life as well. Be kind to one another. Forgive one another. Be aware of the division in your life, and instead choose love, acceptance and unity.
Grand Canyon University is a private, Christian school in the heart of Phoenix that strives to put God first in everything. To learn more, visit our website or use the Request More Information button on this page.
