To Rise Above Conflict, Walk in the Spirit

We live in a broken world in which we will encounter trouble (Jn. 16:33), even in the church. Since we don’t always walk in the Spirit, we won’t always handle disagreements well. We may rise above but can’t control what others do. We may not be able to stop conflict from happening but as much as it depends on us, we can live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:8). How? By walking in the Spirit.

We Don’t Rise Above Conflict When We Walk in the Flesh

Conflict Due to Flesh Nature So Walk by the Spirit Instead
In Christ, we’re free but aren’t to use that “freedom to indulge the flesh” (Gal. 5:13). When we give in to the flesh, we “bite and devour each other” and so we’re warned to “watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (Gal. 5:15). Self-centeredness leads to wanting to get our way at any cost. It’s about our own agenda and preferences. — “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1)

Selfish ambition and vain conceit lead us to look out for our own interests rather than care about what others want or need (Phil. 2:2-3). Envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and evil practices (James 3:16). Scripture concludes that “those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God” (Rom. 8:8).

Contrast Walking in the Flesh to Walking in the Spirit

Note the contrasts given in Romans 8:5-6.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires;

but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The mind governed by the flesh is death,

but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

The passage goes on to say that “the mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” (Rom. 8:7). That’s strong language. Galatians 5:17 sheds some light on that. — “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Acts of the flesh include hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy (Gal. 5:19-21) whereas that which is developed by the Spirit includes “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23).

Certainly this contrast shows why it’s pertinent that we walk in the Spirit in order to rise above conflict. It is then that we “will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).

Solution? – Keep in Step with the Spirit

Remember the closing words of Galatians 5. — “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Gal. 5:24-26)

When we keep in step with the Spirit, we will do what matters to God. We will “serve one another humbly in love for the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Gal. 5:13-14). Love will be patient, kind, not envious, boastful, or proud. It will not dishonor others, be self-seeking, or easily angered. It will not keep record of wrongs. (Take time to read 1 Corinthians 13.) — That’s the Spirit way of handling conflict.

For More on These Topics:

To Rise Above Conflict, Walk in the Spirit

We Don’t Rise Above Conflict When We Walk in the Flesh

Contrast Walking in the Flesh to Walking in the Spirit

Solution? – Keep in Step with the Spirit

All Practicum Posts about Conflict Management:

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