Yesterday, we began looking at the slippery slope of conflict from Peacemaker Ministries. We noticed the familiar responses of escape: denial (claiming everything is ok when it isn’t), flight (running away from conflict) and the ultimate flight, suicide. Today, let’s look at the various attack responses. This is the other extreme of dealing with conflict in a way that isn’t oriented Godward. Escape responses center on running away so that conflict isn’t dealt with. Attack responses go after the person allegedly causing the conflict.
Here is a summary:
Attack Responses
The three responses found on the right side of the slippery slope are often used by people who are more interested in winning a conflict than in preserving a relationship.Assault—Some people try to overcome an opponent by using various forms of force or intimidation, such as verbal attacks (including gossip and slander), physical violence, or efforts to damage a person financially or professionally (see Acts 6:8-15). Such conduct usually escalates conflict.
Litigation—Although some conflicts may legitimately be taken before a civil judge (see Acts 24:1-26:32; Rom. 13:1-5), lawsuits usually damage relationships, diminish our Christian witness, and often fail to achieve complete justice. This is why Christians are commanded to make every effort to settle their differences within the church rather than the civil courts (see Matt. 5:25-26; 1 Cor. 6:1-8).
Murder—In extreme cases, people may be so desperate to win a dispute that they will try to kill those who oppose them (see Acts 7:54-58). While most people would not actually kill someone, we should never forget that we stand guilty of murder in God’s eyes when we harbor anger or contempt in our hearts toward others (see 1 John 3:15; Matt. 5:21-22).
Are you guilty of these responses? Have you ever thought of killing someone causing you trouble? Maybe you thought suing them would make it hurt? Have you ever assaulted someone through your words? These are all attack responses are still fall short of how Scripture compels us to act. We will look at this response tomorrow.
