Keeping Our Friendships & Resolving Conflict

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point our their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you havewon them over.” 

Have you ever made a trade or purchase you wish you could take back? Maybe you thought that car would make you feel amazing but after the second payment your thought: “Why did I buy this?” Or maybe the FFL trade made sense but after one week you thought: “Why did I give up my best running back?” 

One trade you will always regret is trading a friend for the need to “be right.” Conflict is part of every relationship but if left unchecked it can ruin a friendship. In Matthew 18 we see three principles to keeping our friendship in moments of conflict. 

1.      When a friend hurts us: Go privately. The goal is reconciliation. If your friend listens the conflict is over! 

2.      If this does not work find a mediator. Look for someone who is spiritually and emotionally mature enough to help you through the conflict.

3.      Finally, if that doesn’t work talk with a spiritual leader like your pastor about the conflict and see if they can help.

Sadly, sometimes conflict ends a good friendship. In Romans 12:18 we are told if it is possible to live at peace with everyone. Keeping friendships through conflict takes dedication, forgiveness, and honesty. But it is always worth it. 

How about you? Do you have a friendship that is currently threatened by conflict? Is there a move you could make today to help reconcile? Who do you need to forgive today?

Take a moment to read and reflect on Matthew 18:15-20. And make the trade that is always worth it. Give up the desire to “be right” and keep your friendships. 

God Bless,

Mike