"Indeed, it is not a spirit of timidity that God has given us, but a spirit of strength, love and wisdom." 2 Timothy 1.7

Why does God want us to live in peace with everyone ? Because unresolved conflicts have three devastating effects on your life.

First of all, they form an obstacle to your communion with God. When you disagree with others, you can not be in harmony with God. When you are distracted, when you are in conflict with other people, you can not have a good connection with God. The Bible says : "If anyone says : 'I love God', then he hates his brother, he's a liar." 1 John 4:20

The conflict will not resolve on its own.

Then, unresolved conflicts hinder your prayers. Time and time again the Bible says that when there is conflict, sin and lack of harmony in your life, it hinders your prayers.

Finally, unresolved conflicts hinder your happiness. You can not both be happy and in conflict. When the conflict enters through the front door, happiness comes out through the back door.

Do not you want to get rid of conflicts in your life ? The starting point for resolving any conflict is to take the initiative. Do not wait for the other person to come to you; Go to her. Be the peacemaker.

Do not ignore the conflict. Do not deny the existence of the conflict. Do not sweep the conflict under the carpet. Have you heard the phrase : "Time heals everything" ? It's a big absurdity. Time does not heal !

In fact, time is only getting worse. When you have an open wound and you do not treat it, it gangrene. Anger turns into resentment and resentment turns into bitterness.

The conflict will not resolve on its own. You must intentionally face it.

Only courageous people solve conflicts. Perhaps the most courageous thing you can do is confront a problem that you have ignored for a long time in your marriage, with your children, with your employees, your boss or anyone else.

Where to find the courage to confront him? You get it from God.

The Bible declares in 2 Timothy 1: 7 : "For it is not a spirit of timidity that God has given us, but a spirit of strength, love and wisdom." This means that if you let the Spirit of God fill your life, you will be filled with strength, love and wisdom. And the love of God overcomes fear.

A question for today

Is there a problem in one or more of your relationships that you choose to ignore ? About finance ? Trust ? In-laws ? The family ? Children ? Communication ? Some values ? Work schedule ? What are you going to do today to take the initiative to resolve these conflicts ?

Rick Warren

Source (The Thought of the Day)