Finding steady ground in conflict
When conflict arises, it’s easy to slip – either by backing away and hoping things will blow over, or by pushing hard to prove we’re right. Both can feel natural in the moment, but neither leads to true peace.
God calls us to something better.
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone”
(Romans 12:18, NLT)
Living at peace doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations or pretending everything’s fine. It means engaging with humility, honesty and love – seeking to honour God and restore relationship rather than to win an argument.
Finding that balance takes courage and wisdom. It starts with pausing to pray instead of reacting, listening before speaking, and being willing to own our part in what’s gone wrong. When we do, the Holy Spirit steadies our hearts and helps us respond in ways that reflect Christ’s grace.
Peace isn’t found by escaping or attacking – it’s found by walking with Jesus through the middle of conflict, trusting him to guide each step and bring healing where it’s needed most.
For practical insights on navigating everyday conflict and responding in ways that honour God, listen to PeaceWise trainer, mediator and South Australia Ministry Coordinator, Angela Niejalke, in her interview with LifeFM Adelaide.
You can learn more about recognising unhelpful ways of responding to conflict in the Conflict Coach section of the PeaceWise app – Part 2: ME – “Seeing unhelpful responses (Slippery Slope)”.
