By: Elizabeth Haarberg

To React or Let it Go

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud Link.

When experiencing conflict, there are choices: to engage or not. If we engage, we can fight or remain peaceful. Not engaging can also look a few different ways such as forgiving so we can move on or holding a grudge. The conflict and how we handle the related emotions can be damaging or fruitful. How can conflict be good or bad?

Forgiveness is always a good idea.

“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18: 21-22 English Standard Version

Moving on from an incident and not becoming offended works when deciding how to respond.

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 English Standard Version

Clear up any issues you have with someone every day before you publicly declare you are a Christian.

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24 English Standard Version

One of the big reasons we forgive others is to prevent any hard feelings or offense we hold in our heart. If we choose not to forgive, the result is distance from God. He wants us to forgive everyone as He forgives us.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 English Standard Version

Being kind, tenderhearted and in a state of constant forgiveness is critical when deciding to respond or not. Praying before speaking is important also.

An example of responding is when Bill Johnson, a pastor in California, experiences frustration or exasperation for a person, he will focus on that person until he feels God’s pleasure for them. I use that technique often and it is amazing how effective the love for someone will change the way we see and feel about them.

The most important aspect in all of this is not just self-awareness but also God-awareness and how we become more like Him.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado