Navigating Conflicts: Achieving a Mindset Makeover and Prioritizing Love Over Strife

As we strive in life to be in harmony with others and to have the mind of Christ it is crucial to avoid engaging in actions driven by strife or selfish motives.

The Apostle Paul, in his admonition in Philippians 2, cautions us against indulging in disagreements and pursuing endeavors with an inflated sense of self-worth, seeking recognition or attention. The emphasis is on conducting ourselves with love and humility, ensuring that our mindset aligns with the principles of Christ rather than conforming to worldly thinking. It's a call to self-examination, urging us to use the mind of Christ as our guide rather than succumbing to the mindset prevalent in the world.

Phil 2:3-5 (KJV): Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

True peace is not found in the absence of conflict, but in the midst of it, when you can remain calm and centered, embracing the challenges with a tranquil heart.

It's essential to clarify that the suggestion to avoid conflicts doesn't imply a call to run away from them when they inevitably arise. There's a profound glory for God in the way conflicts are approached with love and grace. So, what's the appropriate response when conflicts arise?

While steering clear of unnecessary conflicts is wise, it might not align with godly principles to avoid them altogether. However, when confronting conflicts, it's crucial to do so with an attitude of love. Engaging in conflicts becomes problematic when fueled by underlying emotions like hate, bitterness, or rage; in such cases, refraining from conflict is advisable.

If someone insists on arguing just for the sake of arguing, all the while refusing to truly listen, it's a clear signal that investing your time or energy in such discussions might not be worthwhile.

Paul's message suggests a selfless approach. Instead of being selfish, he encourages us to empathize by stepping into the other person's shoes, considering their perspective. The idea is to momentarily set aside our own thoughts and opinions, allowing clarity and perspective to enter the situation. This involves prioritizing grace and love in our responses. It's not about avoiding problems or being weak; rather, Paul emphasizes the tone of our attitude and the motivation of our hearts. The goal is to engage with conflicts in a way that fosters understanding and resolution, steering clear of an adversarial approach.

Paul continues by highlighting how Jesus exemplified humility. Though he possessed the form of God and had the right to be equal with God, Jesus didn't cling to that status. Instead, he willingly took on the role of a servant, assuming human likeness.

Phil2:6-8: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Have you ever noticed yourself holding tightly to your status in various roles? Think about everyday positions like being a boss, manager, spouse, husband, wife, or even in-law. Consider instances where you might have used your status as a way to boost your ego or let pride guide your actions to get your way. Reflecting on these examples can offer insights into how we navigate relationships and situations based on the roles we play.

In the face of the greatest conflict on earth, Jesus remained humble. As God, he chose to serve even those who harbored hatred towards him, ultimately leading to his crucifixion. This demonstrates a profound choice of love over the need to be right or even to demand justice. Jesus adopted a broad perspective, understanding his purpose, and amid conflicts, he consistently humbled himself. Remarkably, during most conflicts, Jesus didn't defend himself.

One notable instance where Jesus did not defend himself can be found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically during His trial before Pontius Pilate. In Matthew 27:11-14 (NIV), it is recorded:

"Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, 'Are you the king of the Jews?' 'You have said so,' Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, 'Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?' But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor."

Jesus, in the face of accusation and criticism, chose not self-defense, but a silent strength that spoke volumes about the power of love over the need to justify oneself.  He allowed the moment to fall into place without adding any attempt to control how it would fall into place.

In the book of Galatians, Paul urges us to live in the spirit rather than yielding to the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-25 (KJV) :

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

This passage highlights the transformative power of being crucified with Christ, emphasizing the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit. In Galatians 2:20 (NIV), the Apostle Paul conveys this profound truth:

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Here, believers are not only identified with Christ in His crucifixion but are also urged to walk in the Spirit, letting the indwelling Christ shape their new life through faith. The verse underscores the spiritual rebirth and the ongoing influence of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers away from the works of the flesh towards a life characterized by faith and transformation.

There is an element to longsuffering that is not present with the other fruits of the spirit. Longsuffering, as a fruit of the Spirit, stands out due to its distinctive quality of enduring patience in the face of adversity, challenges, or difficult circumstances. While other fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and kindness, focus on positive and uplifting attributes, longsuffering specifically addresses the capacity to patiently endure and persevere through hardships.

In essence, longsuffering involves maintaining a steadfast and patient attitude even when faced with trials, difficulties, or the shortcomings of others. It goes beyond the immediate experience of peace or joy and delves into the enduring strength to withstand challenges without losing hope or growing weary.

In the face of the greatest conflict on earth, Jesus remained humble. As God, he chose to serve even those who harbored hatred towards him, ultimately leading to his crucifixion. This demonstrates a profound choice of love over the need to be right or even to demand justice, although for Jesus, the ultimate justice was just ahead. Jesus adopted a broad perspective, understanding his purpose, and amid conflicts, he consistently humbled himself.

Remarkably, during most conflicts, Jesus didn't defend himself, showcasing a commitment to love that transcended personal vindication. One notable instance where Jesus did not defend himself can be found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically during His trial before Pontius Pilate. In Matthew 27:11-14 (NIV), it is recorded:

"Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, 'Are you the king of the Jews?' 'You have said so,' Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, 'Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?' But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor."

In this passage, Jesus chose not to defend himself against the accusations brought forward by the chief priests and elders, maintaining a silent composure during the trial before Pilate.

Despite being the King, the religious community of that era harbored a distinct perception of who the King would be and how he would manifest. In their religious mindset, the idea of him arriving as a baby, born in a humble manger, the son of a carpenter yet equally the Son of God, born of a virgin, riding on a donkey, and willingly dying in their place of sin—only to rise from death—was inconceivable. The depth of their pride and narcissism prevented them from recognizing that, in their self-perceived greatness, they were as much in need of salvation as the very sinners Jesus came to redeem.

The Pharisees and Sadducees, who were prominent religious figures of that time, possessed the very prophecies detailing how the King, the Messiah, would come.

Despite having access to every prophecy that could enable them to recognize Jesus, they failed to do so. Their distortion arose from inserting their own opinions, emotions, and perceptions into the scriptures. 

Essentially, they twisted the sacred texts to align with their narrative and agenda. Tragically, it was their misguided interpretation that led to the crucifixion of Jesus, as they became the ones responsible for putting Him on the cross.

Heavenly Father,

In Jesus name, I humbly pray that I won't follow the path of the Pharisees, twisting scriptures and prophecies to suit my preferences. Grant me the strength to resist pride and cultivate a spirit open to correction. Surround me with individuals who will lovingly guide me when I stray, and help me to maintain the right heart and motives when correcting others. May my love for them surpass any fear of upsetting them with the truth. Guide me to align with Your truth and shield me from the deception that ensnared the Pharisees, particularly in these end days. You have forewarned us of great deception, and I earnestly seek Your guidance to stay steadfast in Your truth. Amen

Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.