To navigate conflict well we need the right mindset. How we outwardly treat one another matters but genuine conflict resolution needs to come from within. So much of how we deal with differences, disappointments, and confrontations relates to how we think about God, ourselves, and others.
The Attitude of Christ Helps Us in Conflict
What better attitude could we have in times of conflict than that of Christ Jesus?
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Phil. 2:5-8)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Rom. 15:5-7)
Both of these passages use the Greek word ‘phroneo’ translated either mindset or attitude, from the root word ‘phren’ which means the mind. How did Christ’s thinking affect His relationship with God and others?
Attitude of Christ Helps Us in Conflict
In the above verses we find two heart qualities in Jesus that would greatly help us in times of conflict:
1) Humility
2) Accepting
The Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide adds some input about the above two qualities along with inferences about how that quality would affect the way we approach conflict.
For More on These Topics:
All Practicum Posts about Conflict Management:
- Reason Conflict Management is an Important Skill for Leaders
- Not All Conflict is Bad
- A Litmus Test for Church Conflict
- Body Life Can Prevent Conflict
- Body Life Can Resolve Conflict
- Body Life Takes Responsibility in Conflict
- Conflict Hinders Fulfillment of the Great Commission
- The Right Mindset in Conflict
- The Right Reactions in Conflict
- Power of God Needed to Rise Above in Conflict
- To Rise Above Conflict, Go Back to the Gospel
- To Rise Above Conflict, Pray with the Right Motives
- To Rise Above Conflict, Rely on God’s Grace
- To Rise Above Conflict, Pull on People’s Spiritual Gifts
- To Rise Above Conflict, Follow God’s Word
- To Rise Above Conflict, Remember Who’s the Real Enemy
- Motivation to Rise Above Conflict
- Perspective and Power to Rise Above Conflict
- To Rise Above Conflict, Call on the Name of the Lord
- To Rise Above Conflict, Walk in the Spirit
- How Leadership Roles Affect Conflict Management
Thanks-be-2-God Almighty for “U-All!” I have a renter in my house the Lord has brought to help me pay off some credit card debt. I still have $4000 left. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her help but conflict has to stop. I have to repent to Jesus and accept what I don’t like about her and move on with my plan to be out of debt before Jesus releases her. Thanks for being a sounding board.
Linda, while these posts are usually geared toward church leaders, certainly the Christ-like mindset needed in conflict applies to all of us, no matter what our situation. We certainly can pray for both you and your renter. May God grow within both of your hearts the ability to love each other more and more as He does.