Determined: Determination and Conflict
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Thoughts for Today”
Brad Rymer, author of Where Is the Image of God in You?, does marriage counseling. Many folks he counsels have a high degree of determination. That does not mean it is impossible for them to change their minds or their ways. It just means it probably will not happen without a fight. Commonly a spouse will say after a grueling counseling session where the couple appeared to be upset with everything that occurred, "That was a hard session, but it sure was good!"
Determined people are often willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish something important to them. They are usually not afraid of a fight. The questions becomes this: Will they fight fair?
Ken Sande, founder of Peacemaker® Ministries, says there are three primary approaches to conflict.
- Peace-Fakers: those "more interested in avoiding conflict than in resolving it" - peace at all costs.
- Peace-Breakers: those "more interested in winning conflict than in preserving a relationship."
- Peace-Makers: those who look for "mutually agreeable solutions to conflict" - win-win solutions (22-25).
Consider this …
Why are we discussing conflict in our devotions about the character trait of determination? The things we are determined about generally involve some level of confrontation, so it is important to reflect on how we handle conflict as a first step in developing a healthy and godly use of determination.
Think about conflict resulting from your determination. Are you a Peace-Faker, a Peace-Breaker, or a Peace-Maker? Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9 NIV).
Prayer
Father, help me be a better peacemaker. Help me get rid of anger and harsh words and replace them with kindness and forgiveness. You have forgiven me of so much . . . Help me be forgiving of others. In Jesus' name . . .
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©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
