Conflict and Criticism Can Never Interfere in Our Lives
We all have experienced conflict and criticism with someone in our lives. Those
"someone’s” could have been members of our own families, friends, co-workers,
spouses, fellow church members and even strangers. If you may be feeling
somewhat pious, you may be only kidding yourself! We’ve all run into these
issues at one time or another. There are many of us that deal with these types of
stresses differently, some of us even deal with them constantly daily. It may be
easy to feel like you are always in the middle of, or a target of, this type of
troubled relationship issue. Most of us don’t like conflicts or criticisms and try to
avoid them at all costs! But we all know that disagreements of this nature are a
part of life, but instead of just trying to get rid of them, or remove them in some
way. Maybe we should concentrate on ways to deal with them?!
The first step to handling personal conflicts and criticisms is pretty standard, and
we should think about and look at, the root causes. The answers are usually
found, not too far below the surface, and are pretty easy to deduct. Let’s look at
some possible causes:
Differences of Opinion
This is, perhaps the easiest one and most common of conflicts because we are all
different and have our own opinions on just about everything! A simple, minor
issue can turn into a pretty heated argument, if it is not handled and thought out
correctly. We all can recall some real dandies we have witnessed or have been
involved in. Try thinking about and tempering your opinion before getting into an
argument over it!
Miscommunication
You really have to love this one! Of course, none of us ‘”ever’’ have thought we
heard something different than what was said to us? Right? Nah, couldn’t have
happen to us! But seriously folks, misunderstandings based on misheard words
or missing elements of a conversation, or not questioning what was said first hand,
can spiral into deep feelings of betrayal, separating us from our friends or
can spiral into deep feelings of betrayal, separating us from our friends or
loved ones pretty quick!
Jealousy, Envy and Gossip
"The Three Evils”! These three emotions and the statements, that may follow, are
the result of very poor communication and possible bad or wrong opinion! That is
what happens when people are willing, and many times intentionally, believe
second, third or even tenth party opinions and/or information, without bothering
to verify it for themselves, from the direct source of the information. You may see
this type of behavior a lot, in any sized group or organization. This type of
behavior can be devastating to people, who have real and truthful relationships,
accountability and transparency, goals, and directions!
Deep Convictions
Many of us are products of many years of abiding and deep-rooted convictions
and beliefs that stem from childhood, personal experience, work environments,
family, and friends. These convictions can possibly cause hurt, mistrust, and
many more reasons to others around us. Everyone is possibly entitled to their
personal convictions, but temper them and give thought to the feelings of others
that are trying to live in a Christian world.
Personal Baggage
There are many of us that also endure conflict and criticism, possibly daily, or
have endured much in their past. These circumstances can include deep-rooted
feelings of worthlessness, abuse, and guilt, that may trigger negative reactions,
anger, over the top verbal and physical frustrations and defensiveness.
All of these can build walls between people, devastate relationships, and upset
lives. Even well intended Christians and those that are not Christians, in a
possible misguided effort to help, can possibly make a mistake of repressing
these individual’s feelings. The surrounding people may give the feeling that it
doesn’t matter and believe it won’t matter in the future.
WE all need to try and recognize the triggers of others with previous issues and
circumstances. Understanding brings about possible healing and the healthy
lifestyle we all deserve. There is so much that we can do, in our lives, for those
we meet, get to know and possibly love!
One of the main reasons God put us here on His earth is to learn, grow, reach out
to others, and most importantly, praise Him for everything he has shown and given us!
We need to pass it on and we can make a difference to other people who are experiencing
conflict and criticism in their lives and those around them!
We need to pass it on and we can make a difference to other people who are experiencing
conflict and criticism in their lives and those around them!
WE, can not only learn from these specific areas mentioned and many others. We
can add much to our lives by prayer to restore confidence. By reading and
following what we can learn from Ephesians Chapters 3 and 4 in our Bibles! Let’s
reach out with the authority and power that are found by the values that Jesus
Christ can give us!
We are saved by Grace…Live by His Word…and by His Will…serve all others….!
