Conflict is an inescapable reality in a fallen world—insults sting, betrayals wound, and chaos threatens to overwhelm. Yet, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to rise above these storms, not by human strength but by living His teachings and extending forgiveness. Suffering, as seen in the lives of Job, Jonah, Esther, and David, is not without purpose; God uses it to refine and grow us. Through patience, wisdom, and enduring faith, we transcend conflict, trusting Christ to deliver us from impossible situations. We'll explore how to rise above conflict, offering practical steps to embrace grace, counter strife, and find peace in God’s plan.

The Reality of Conflict and God’s Purpose  

Conflict surrounds us, whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or the broader culture. Harsh words, broken trust, and unexpected trials can shake our peace, tempting us to respond with anger or despair. Yet Scripture reveals that suffering is not random; God uses it to shape us into His image. Job lost everything—family, wealth, health—yet his trials deepened his faith (Job 42:5). Jonah’s rebellion led to the belly of a fish, but God used it to redirect his mission (Jonah 3:1-3). Esther faced mortal peril, yet her courage saved her people (Esther 4:16). David’s sin with Bathsheba brought consequences, but his repentance restored his heart (Psalm 51). Each story shows that God works through suffering to grow our faith and fulfill His purpose.

Romans 5:3-4 (KJV) explains, “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” Conflict, though painful, is a crucible for spiritual growth. By trusting Christ, we rise above, confident that He saves us from even the most impossible situations, just as He delivered Daniel from the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22) and Paul from shipwreck (Acts 27:44).

Christ’s Call to Rise Above  

Jesus offers a radical response to conflict: love, forgiveness, and grace. Matthew 5:44 (KJV) commands, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” This is not weakness but strength rooted in faith, reflecting Christ’s own example on the cross when He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). To rise above conflict, we must live the full Gospel, rejecting resentment and embracing the transformative power of forgiveness.

Our adversaries—both spiritual forces and human strife-stirrers—seek to trap us in cycles of bitterness and retaliation. They amplify insults, fuel betrayals, and sow chaos to derail our faith. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) reminds us, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” We counter their schemes with grace, trusting that God’s wisdom and love will prevail. As 1 Peter 3:9 (KJV) instructs, “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

Practical Steps to Rise Above  

Rising above conflict requires intentional, Christ-centered actions. Through repentance, prayer, and immersion in Scripture, we cultivate the patience, wisdom, and faith needed to navigate trials. Here are practical steps to begin today:

1. Forgive One Offense: Identify a specific hurt—perhaps a harsh word or a betrayal—and choose to forgive, releasing resentment to God. Colossians 3:13 (KJV) urges, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Forgiveness frees your heart and reflects Christ’s mercy.

2. Pray for an Enemy: Lift up someone who has wronged you in prayer, asking God to bless them and soften your heart. Matthew 5:44 (KJV), as noted, calls us to pray for those who persecute us. This act shifts your perspective, aligning it with God’s love.

3. Study Job: Read the book of Job to understand how faith endures suffering. Job’s perseverance, despite unimaginable loss, shows that God’s plan unfolds even in pain. Job 42:10 (KJV) reveals, “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.” Study and apply Job’s example of trust and intercession.

4. Repent of Resentment: Confess any bitterness or anger you’ve harbored, seeking God’s cleansing. 1 John 1:9 (KJV) promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance clears the way for peace.

5. Grow Through Trials: Reflect on a current conflict and ask, “How is God using this to grow me?” Journal your insights and commit to responding with faith, not fear. James 1:2-3 (KJV) encourages, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

The Role of Enduring Faith  

Salvation comes through enduring faith—trusting Christ’s promises even when conflict rages. Like Esther, who risked her life to save her people, or David, who repented and rose after his fall, we must persevere through trials, knowing God is faithful. Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV) exhorts, “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Faith anchors us, enabling us to rise above chaos and find peace in God’s plan.

The world may urge retaliation or despair, but Christ calls us to a higher path. By following the full Gospel, we reject the adversary’s lies and embrace God’s truth. Philippians 4:7 (KJV) assures, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace, born of faith and forgiveness, is the reward of rising above conflict.

The Adversary’s Strife and Our Response  

Our adversaries thrive on division, stirring strife to weaken our witness and steal our joy. They amplify minor slights into grudges and turn misunderstandings into feuds. But we are not defenseless. By living Christ’s teachings—loving enemies, blessing cursers, and doing good to haters—we disarm their tactics. Proverbs 16:7 (KJV) states, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Grace, rooted in faith, transforms conflict into opportunities for growth and testimony.

This response requires discipline and humility. We must repent of our own contributions to conflict—harsh words, pride, or unforgiveness—and seek to perfect ourselves in Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” In our weakness, Christ’s strength shines, enabling us to rise above with grace and wisdom.

A Call to Action