The Cost of Conflict and How to Avoid It
The Cost of Conflict
Relationships are the key to longevity and success in business. Conflict, and more specifically unresolved conflict is a serious threat and potentially catastrophic for relationships. However, If you work, live, or interact with other people, sooner or later you will need to resolve a conflict. Jesus recognizes the inevitability of conflicts when he speaks to his followers.
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
Luke 17:1 NKJV
Conflict is defined: “as a serious disagreement or argument, typically lasting for an extended time.” Have you ever experienced conflict? It is a frustrating business that takes a toll on everyone involved. It depletes your energy, is a big distraction, and weighs on you personally.
My Part in Conflict
I have found that conflict doesn’t always depend on me but a lot of it does. I have a great deal of power in directing the course of a disagreement. The way I interact with people can either escalate or dissipate a potentially explosive situation. Before, needing to engage in methods of reconciliation, the best way to exercise conflict resolution is to live in such a way that conflict is the exception rather than the norm.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 NIV
2 ways that I have found to reduce conflict in my life.
- Be quick to humble myself – Humility is an attitude that can quickly de-escalate a contentious situation. Its counterpart – Pride is responsible for the majority of conflicts I get myself involved in or have to bring resolution to. Download these scriptures designed to shift our mindsets away from pride and into humility.
- When I experience strife, there is often an attitude connected to it. I try to identify that attitude and then operate in the opposite spirit. This scripture points to the idea that the conflict is merely the tip of the iceberg. My experience has taught me to look a bit deeper at the situation because often that is the root of the problem.
Wherever you find jealousy and fighting, there will be trouble and every other kind of wrongdoing.
James 3:16 NLV
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