Logic and conflict are not considered terms that are used together. Most personal conflicts lack logic. But conflict is not without logic. Conflict as a universal concept is logical.
Syllogism is a type of logical argument. One proposition, the conclusion is inferred from two other propositions or premises proven to be true. Aristotle, a smart but old and dead Greek thinker, defines syllogism as "a discourse in which, certain things having been supposed, something different from the things supposed results of necessity because these things are so." Everyone known, two wrongs don’t make a right – Aristotle clams two rights can’t be wrong. They can tell us some new, a truth hidden in the truths. This is helpful in understanding why peopled seem to have a hard time getting along.
1. Humans are relational creatures
2. Humans are selfish creatures
3. Humans will have relationship comfits.
I once heard of two sisters not talking for 10 years over how to cook collard greens. I have also heard of families ripped apart because of deeply hurtful behavior from all members and I have personally seen the destruction rout by careless words and selfish actions. When conflict becomes a war of roses is it possible to rise above? I think so but it take determination driven by love. In this age, we may have to live with the inevitability of conflict but we can learn how to overcome it? Here are some principles that guide our action in conflict:
1. Accept whatever means God may use to make me more humble and therefore more dependent on Him, no matter how damaging to my reputation or ambition.
“Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
2. Be quick to repent of known sin in your life, and sincerely express the desire for repentance to those who are concerned, even if there is blame on the other side.
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19)
3. Painful accurately in the words about yourself, even if it embarrasses or condemns you and at the same time don’t be intentionally and unnecessarily hurtful or demeaning to others.
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)
4. Seek to genuine passion for God and others a goal of life. Authentic Affection for God and others should be our greatest ambition no matter how deeply I have been hurt.
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
5. Remember anxiety is an insipid enemy. It is an internal sign to prompt me to pray and to build up my faith by seeking God’s perspective found in reading the Bible carefully and constantly.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:8)
6. Leave all vengeance to God, who sees and evaluates with perfect clarity and judgment.
“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. . . . If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)
7. Forgive from the heart any time asked to forgive, without analyzing whether the offending person is worthy, or has perfect motives, or is adequately repentant.
“Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” (Matthew 18:21-22)
8. Life is about gratitude so be thankful in everything, and rejoice in the Lord always.
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” (Philippians 3:1)
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
9. Don’t let the devil get his jollies at the expanse of your relationships.
“. . . so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20)
10. Grace is found at the bottle -
“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7).
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