Messy Relationships, Blog 7: Relational Conflict Drawing Us Closer to the Lord

There are many kinds of relationships that exist in life. Marriage relationships, family relationships, work relationships and relationships between friends to name a few. Albeit people have many things in common, differences between people can lead to conflict and broken relationships. Relationships that were once impenetrable all of a sudden are now shattered.

For our wedding my wife and I received a framed poem entitled “Marriage Takes Three,” which served as a constant reminder to us that in order for our relationship to work it had to be established with Jesus as its foundation. God created us for Himself that we might worship and glorify Him. Therefore, our relationship with Him must be preeminent.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we should have an outward focus on serving the needs and interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). A right attitude towards God is the perfect antidote to distill unwelcomed conflict that arises when we pridefully focus on pleasing ourselves rather than him. We are called to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, which happens as we walk in humility, gentleness, patience, showing tolerance for one another (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Conflict is also good and necessary. I once heard a Pastor say, “if you never run into the devil, be careful that you aren’t walking alongside him.” In other words when we are faithfully walking with the Lord, we are sometimes going to face opposition. Paul spoke of this in Philippians 2:27-29. Things could get a little messy, but don’t be alarmed. I recall on multiple occasions throughout my career that I chose to take a stand for the Lord. I must admit that these were scary moments, but what I learned is that the Lord is faithful to His Word. He didn’t forsake me but was with me to fill my faint heart with His peace. In these moments He revealed more about His character to me and simultaneously my faith grew.

Whenever you’re faced with confrontation, pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you His purpose. Is He redirecting the course of your life? Is He wanting to reveal another aspect of His character to you to create greater intimacy with Him? Is He challenging you to cultivate greater faith or is it just a matter of refining some aspect of your character? Personally, I have experienced all of the above and it’s been a great journey.

Rudy Neal, Elder