The Right Reactions in Conflict

How do we “do” Church in the days in which we live? Opinions vary and can even be quite polarizing. While church leaders don’t have to agree with everyone, they do need the right reactions in conflict — those which are Christ-like.

The Right Reactions in Conflict are Christ-like

To have the right reactions in conflict, we need the right mindset, or heart attitudes — that of Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5; Rom. 15:5). — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23)

When we lead with a Christ-like heart, we will react like Him in times of conflict. Here are four ways Jesus acted as a humble servant (Phil. 2:5-8). Think of the implications for you in whatever conflict you might face.

1. “Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 5:2)

2. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Pet. 2:21-23)

3. “in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph. 4:31-32)

4. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2)

You’ll find these four points in the Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide with a question under each for you to reflect on your own reactions as well as some additional Scripture.

For More on These Topics:

• Conflict Management & Resolution Resources
• Resources about Christlikeness in the Church

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