While conflicts are inevitable, we need to do our best to minimize and avoid them as nothing really productive and beneficial comes out of conflicts. We may spend valuable time and exert unnecessary energy as we deal with conflicts in different areas of our lives. So, it is best to learn to ask God for wisdom as he is the only one who can truly help us to resolve conflicts that we may deal with at certain points in our lives.
The following are recommended ways to avoid conflicts easily and effectively:
Learn to Control and Manage Your Emotions
Avoid overreacting to situations as this can be futile. Rather, we need to be cognizant that conflicts may arise as a result of differences in our spirituality, culture or our upbringing. It is vital that we seek God for direction and advice as we attempt to resolve our differences.
Be a Patient and a Good Listener
Listen and be respectful of others’ opinions. Even if you disagree, learn to be patient as you seek to understand the point of view of others rather than always seeking to be understood. There are times when we must agree to disagree and move forward and other times when we must compromise as we work towards finding the best solution to resolve the conflict. Ultimately, we should let wisdom guide our thoughts and use it to resolve our conflicts for wisdom is the principal thing.
Effective Communication Goes a Long Way in Avoiding Conflict
Clear communication goes a long way to resolving conflicts. It is important that everyone has an opportunity to express their opinions. After carefully listening to each person’s position, we need to then turn to the word of God to help us decide what’s best in resolving our conflicts.
Be Sensitive
Now that you’ve learned the right way of communicating your feelings, it’s highly imperative to be sensitive. Make sure to be kind and patient when dealing with matters that may cause conflicts.
Encourage Collaboration
Collaboration is one of the most effective ways to avoid conflicts, especially in the workplace. Creating a collegial culture that encourages respect for one another’s opinions and mutual understanding for one’s work, skills, and more will go a long way to minimize any conflicts.
Discourage Gossips
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
If Conflicts Happen, Embrace It
Phillipians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. When conflicts occur, we should learn to heed God’s direction for handling conflicts. James 1: 19-21 says know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. In short, we should always rely on God’s word to help us to resolve conflicts.