Conflicts in any society are inevitable as long as people keep interacting and communicating in their daily activities. Interpersonal conflicts are the act of having a difference with other people at home, in workplaces, learning institutions, and even in a church congregation ( Beheshtifa & Zare, 2013) . They will affect people emotionally and physically. Conflict in different environments causes relationships to break and to some extreme extent prevents the creation of a new relationship among people in the same institution. Differences in homes, churches are not necessarily manifested through physical violence, but they can cause emotional torture to the family members. A good example of interpersonal conflicts is the disagreement and physical violence that married people engage in over either infidelity or financial problems. The children are the most affected people when these conflicts get to the extreme in the family set up.
One day in my class with my fellow students, I had a disagreement with my friend over some rumours she received from classmates. My classmates were spreading rumours that I had the intention of letting out the secrets of my best friend. The results of the argument were losing ties with my best friend. The strong friendship came to an end. I became lonely because I could not spend time together with my best friend as it was before the emergence of the conflict. I would have loved to have resolved the conflict with my best friend but I was not aware of what I needed to do back then. Prevention and resolution of any interpersonal conflicts are the essential measures to ensure that there are strategies put in place in safeguarding the relationship with men and also between men and God. The bible and especially in New Testament concentrate more on resolution and prevention of any conflicts compared to any other issues discussed in chapters. In the New Testament, Jesus told the congregation that before anyone brings the gift to the altar, they should first reconcile with their brother, who they may have conflicted (Mathew 18:15). The act of first reconciling with fellow brethren indicates that people should first forgive one another before asking for forgiveness from God in the altar.
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The bible emphasizes on sympathy, harmony, kindness, and being humble. These traits help people have the ability to forgive others. Paying an insult with an insult in whatever environment goes against the teaching in the new testament (1 Peter 3:8-11). Instead, a person should learn to bless those who hurt them and those who cause them pain. By forgiving people who have done them wrong ensures that chances of any violent eruption are minimal. As the Bible emphasizes, people who forgive others and offer them blessings shall receive a reward from the creator ( Dinkler, 2016 ). Mathew 5:9 says blessed are the peacemakers for they shall inherit the kingdom of God and have the privilege of being the sons of God. This passage helps educate Christians and believers in the world of God that those who bring peace to the world have a reward from God. The passage allows Christian, and the general public understand that it's rewarding to be in harmony with one another in all the activities they get involved.
Conflicts are best illustrated in the book of John in the new testament as the Pharisees keep on questioning the eligibility of Jesus Christ about keeping the Sabbath day holy (John 9). It is so because Jesus cures a beggar on the Sabbath and some of the Pharisees believe that he is not observing the Holy day of the Lord. The happening is reflective of conflicts that occur in people’s daily lives. In a scenario where someone offends another in their line of duty, they should learn first to confront the person rather than consulting other parties (Mark 4:12). In most instances, when the person is accused of offending others, he or she wishes to have a chance to express himself or herself before being judged and branded names. Creation of a distorted perception in many instances causes more problems than was anticipated ( Schroeder, 2018 ).
The bible communicates to Christians the will of God, for example, in a scenario where a person offends another, they should pay a visit to them; trying to make them understand the mistakes they have committed, but they should do it with love and in private where other people are not involved (Mathew 18:15). The passage also works well for daily experiences and conflicts that people go through. Individuals should always learn to solve their issues just between the two parties without involving other people. Keeping things in a small circle, helps in resolving any interpersonal conflict in the church, workplaces, and families. Such an outcome reduces many negative impacts caused by the replication of violence as a result of any physical or emotional fight. People should learn how to let out their anger before the sun goes down by doing that it ensures that they do not pile up things in their hearts. Piling up issues can lead to more severe negative impacts than solving them when they are manageable.
There is a firm conviction from the five passages in the New Testament that the interpersonal conflicts are avoidable if all the parties involved are ready to play their part. Effective communication between conflicting parties is essential as both parties involved in the issues can express their dissatisfaction. In Mathew 18:15, the books teach us the person who is offended, and the affected should find a way to communicate with each other to solve their conflict. Wisdom is vital in ensuring that interpersonal conflicts are always kept confidential all the time. It is often prudent for those in conflict to keep their issues confidential as they find a way of solving them. A private conversation on the current conflict would ensure that the two parties get the opportunity to talk everything out without the interference of third parties. Often, involving other individuals in an on-going conflict would result in more tension as these third parties would fuel the individual’s emotions by emphasizing on the negative aspects of the entire experience ( Beheshtifa & Zare, 2013) . However, a private conversation beforehand will ensure that the two primary individuals have ample time to talk everything and iron out their differences. In many instances, such a move will resolve the conflict.
It is clear that interpersonal conflict is a usual part of everyday life. All environments that people meet and interact in present experiences for conflict to occur. Nonetheless, the Bible addresses the issue of interpersonal conflict entirely. The Bible recognizes the existence of conflict through the various where different individuals including Jesus had to deal with the issues. It further indicates the importance of the relationships Christians hold amongst one another and that which they hold with God. Conflict will likely interfere with this relationship making it necessary to find an amicable way of solving it. The New Testament especially Matthew 18:15 further recommends for the private resolution of conflict among two parties involved. It would be prudent for one to solve conflict in private because then he or she has the opportunity to earn the brother he or she had lost.
References
Beheshtifar, M., & Zare, E. (2013). Interpersonal conflict: A substantial factor to organizational failure. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences , 3 (5), 400.
Dinkler, M. B. (2016). New Testament Rhetorical Narratology: An Invitation toward Integration. Biblical Interpretation , 24 (2), 203-228.
Schroeder, R. (2018). Theology at the Cutting Edge: Engaging our Diversity through Interculturality. New Theology Review , 30 (2), 65-68.
