Week #7 Interpersonal Conflict and Theology

Thursday 3/4/09
By Nick Smith

1. Corporeal Beings – God has made us physical beings who are able to be touched, hugged, slapped, punched, etc. Keeping our physical nature in mind, I believe that interpersonal conflict should take place in a physical setting, not over the phone or email.
2. Submission – We love (especially as Westerners) to fight for what we believe is right and we will step on everyone’s toes to get our way, even our superiors. I think we need to have a bit more submissive mindset when dealing with most issues. Christ got most angry when the temple was being misused, but when was the last time people were trying to sell objects in your sanctuary for a personal profit? If you are not willing to die over the issue, then you might want to submit to it.
3. Love – A lot of times we forget about this characteristic when in an interpersonal conflict. I think we lose sight of Christ’s love in situations because we are worried about getting what we want and lose focus of what would be better for the relationship, group, or church as a whole. Love and submission I believe should often go hand in hand.