We all have conflicts. They start in infancy and continue throughout adulthood. Conflict is neither positive or negative, it simply is. The key to positive conflict is learning how to deal with conflict and resolve conflict when such arises. I want to share six steps from Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:23-24 and 18:15-17 on resolving conflict. Read those two passages then look at these six steps.
- You recognize that a conflict exists.
- You GO.
- YOU go to the other person.
- You go to them in PRIVATE.
- You BOTH discuss the issue.
- Discuss the issue for the purpose of RECONCILIATION.
How do you handle conflict?
Driving Thought 
Very important! Easier to teach than it is to live.
A friend of mine had a way of handling gossip. He would immediately say, “What did ___ say when you talked to him about it?” If the person admitted to not having spoken with the other person, my friend would say, “Then please do not include me in your sin.”
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
Tim,
I do find this much easier to teach, talk about, etc. than I do in consistent practice. But we must keep trying.