Do you ever read Scripture and find yourself wondering, “is the Bible relevant today?” We definitely feel that disconnect. So we’ve set out to make Scripture meditations that give us a framework for how to start reading the Bible. Join us as we let the Bible be the Bible, and learn to engage with it meaningfully.
Navigating Conflict
It’s happening again. Your parent/coworker/friend is venting about social/theological issues… ones you really disagree with them on.
You can’t help it – savage clapbacks start popping into your head. You struggle: should you share your thoughts? Risk starting a fight? Or silence your frustration and just stay quiet?
We can’t avoid conflict. No matter how hard we try. But we can avoid selfish conflict, which turns a “good talk” into a verbal tug-of-war. Proverbs 18 encourages us to enjoy understanding other people, even when we wish they’d understand us first.
Proverbs 18:1-2
1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
Observations from the Text
- There are selfish and unfriendly ways to disagree (v. 1)
- We are tempted to share our opinions and ignore others’ (v. 2)
- Refusing to understand others is foolish (v. 2)
- We can find pleasure and delight by reaching new understandings, even if they aren’t agreements (v. 2)
Prayers of Response
Author of truth, you see how upset I am by the fierce debate over________. Help me see them as you do, even when I wish everyone would just think like me!
I gotta admit,________ ’s opinions really frustrate me. I don’t want to understand someone who seems so wrong.
Prayer Requests
When others at________ are starting arguments, may I want to understand instead.
Selfless, truth-speaking Savior, let ________ and me have an honest discussion today – not a selfish quarrel.
Prayers of Readiness
Jesus, you saved ________ , too. Help me love them…even when they post political rants!
Today, I’m comforted knowing your grace is stronger than any opinion on ________.
Connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life through other Scripture meditations like this one. Check out this page for more!
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
