Here are 3 potential responses to conflicts that could have positive results: 1. Seek first to understand the other person's perspective before trying to be understood. Active listening and asking clarifying questions can help resolve misunderstandings. 2. Look for opportunities to reconcile and find common ground rather than dwell on disagreements. Compromise and forgiveness can strengthen relationships in the long run. 3. Address issues with humility and avoid escalating tensions further. Coming from a place of care, respect and good faith makes it more likely people will work together to find solutions.

2. To understand the roots and causes of conflict
To understand the potential of conflict
for ill or for good
To learn how to deal with conflicts
through personal peacemaking
To learn how to deal with conflicts
through mediated peacemaking
To follow God’s principles when
conflicts cannot be resolved

3. The Potential of Conflict
How do we usually
respond in times of
conflict?

4. The Potential of Conflict
We focus on our own

5. The Potential of Conflict
We focus on our own

6. The Potential of Conflict
We focus on our own

7. The Potential of Conflict
We focus on our own

8. The Potential of Conflict
We focus on our own

9. The Potential of Conflict
We focus on our own

10. The Potential of Conflict
What are the usual
results?

11. The Potential of Conflict
Individual
unhappiness

12. The Potential of Conflict
Negative
working
environment

13. The Potential of Conflict
Powerless
prayer

14. The Potential of Conflict
Ineffective
testimony

15. The Potential of Conflict
Dishonoring of
God’s name

16. The Potential of Conflict
But conflicts can also be an opportunity…
• To glorify God (1 Cor 10:31)
• To obey God’s word (James 1:22-25)
• To love our neighbor (1 John 3:14-15)
• To apply the grace of God (Titus 3:3-8)
• To experience transformation (Eph 4:20-23)
• To grow in our faith (Philemon 1:4-7)

17. Known by self Not known by self
Known by others Open Self FEEDBACK Blind Self
DISCLOSURE Self
Awareness
and Growth
Not known by Unknown Self
Hidden Self
others
Unknown
Self

18. Philippians 2:1-16
1If you have any
encouragement from
Community of being united with Christ, if
Faith any comfort from his love,
if any fellowship with the
Spirit, if any tenderness
and compassion…

19. Philippians 2:1-16
2…then make my joy
complete by being like-
Community of minded, having the same
Faith love, being one in spirit
and purpose.

20. Philippians 2:1-16
3Donothing out of selfish
ambition or vain conceit,
Community of but in humility consider
Faith others better than
yourselves.

21. Philippians 2:1-16
4Each of you should look
not only to your own
Community of interests, but also to the
Faith interests of others.

22. Philippians 2:1-16
5Your attitude should be
the same as that of Christ
Community of Jesus…
Faith

23. Philippians 2:1-16
12Therefore, my dear
friends, as you have
Community of always obeyed—not only
Faith in my presence, but now
much more in my
absence—continue to
work out your salvation
with fear and trembling…

24. Philippians 2:1-16
13…forit is God who works
in you to will and to act
Community of according to his good
Faith purpose.

25. Philippians 2:1-16
14Do everything without
complaining or
Community of arguing, 15so that you may
Faith become blameless and
pure, children of God
without fault in a crooked
and depraved
generation…

26. Philippians 2:1-16
…in which you shine like
stars in the universe 16as
Community of you hold out the word of
Faith life—in order that I may
boast on the day of Christ
that I did not run or labor
for nothing.

27. Group Discussion
• Without naming names or giving details,
describe some of the negative results of
conflicts in your life.
• Now that you know that conflicts can also
have positive results, how would you respond
if ever they happen again?