Create in me a clean heart. Renew a right spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit! Psalm 51:10-12
Conflict will always be with us. As long as we are living and breathing, we have a heart, mind, body and soul. Each of these are areas where conflict exists. Conflict exists because choice exists. Conflict exists with expectations – good and bad, wrong or right. Conflict Is an opportunity to see deeper into our hearts, mind, body and soul. To reflect instead of respond.
I was studying about the life of Joseph in the Bible with my kids and how the conflict that started it all was with his brother’s jealousy. My son pointed out that it was actually the father’s favoritism that caused the conflict. Conflict can start for many reasons, but the key is how to respond with love. We need to bless those who are blessed and not curse. Whatever the reason, the conflict exists because we all have sin issues from the choices we make. It is our body, heart and mind that needs to be shifted to love better. Sometimes in coaching and therapy the focus is on the mindset shift, which does need to occur, but for sustainable growth a heart shift needs to happen.
What does a heart shift look like? When conflict has the absence of love then wrong or differing expectations occur. Wrong attitudes show up. Ultimately hurtful hearts ensue. We feel at war within and without, needing to fight for our agendas. Reflect before responding will help us analyze the situation and provide space for love to come in.
God knows that conflict impacts all areas of our being – your body, heart and mind. In James 4:8, He promises to show up with us to connect with Him,“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands (representing the BODY), you sinners, and purify your hearts (HEARTS), you double-minded (MIND).” (Being double-minded means you have a divided interest or wavering, uncertain doubts.)
Get with God, instead of having a quick response. God wants to bring renewal to our whole being with His love. Conflict is an opportunity to bring healing and a true shift to the body, heart and mind! It’s a beautiful process to let go and let God into your agenda. Look at your conflict as an opportunity to help you grow in love.
Conflict Shift
Body. Heart. Mind.
Are you struggling with your conflicts? Take the conflict chart challenge. Email mel@freelyfeast.com to get started!