Conflict In The Community

I should make this clear early on, I am a minister. My goal is always to be "spiritual" in my thinking. That does not mean I intend to be "preachy," but it does happen.

As I reflect on things around Gainesboro (from my perspective) you can expect to read my spiritual perspectives in my writings. You may not have reached the same conclusions, but they are from my perspective. We can still work together on things about which we agree.

Conflict is always part of our lives. Whenever there is more than one person there will be conflict. Sometimes I have conflict all by myself. That seems to be within our human nature. Conflict is present, but it isn't unhealthy. The way we deal with conflict can be unhealthy (and often is).

For believers I submit the following:

Jesus said, "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15

Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves … your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3, 5).

Conflict resolution is based on actively seeking what is best for everyone involved, not seeking what is most desirable for "me."

For those who are not too interested in my "spiritual" references I submit that the conclusion above still makes good sense.

When we disagree about the way things should be in our wonderful town you and I will be well served to remember that we are not part of this community so that we can be frustrated. We are together so we can benefit mutually. We are working for the best interests of the community as a whole.