GENESIS 31:48-49. “And Laban said, ‘This heap is a witness between me and thee this day.’ Therefore, was the name of it called Galeed; and Mizpah; for he said, ‘The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.’” FAMILY CONFLICTS. What is behind those lines on the sand, and quick words that rise to become walls? The blood in the veins comes from the same source; we had all our life the same call. We have shared many years, the same standards of life and eaten often from the same table; We learned many lessons from the same people, and act upon them when we are able. Why then the issues that arise unexpected – what prompts the conflicts that rise? Is there some secret agenda hidden within; some form of jealousy we prize? Generally, “No”, it is just the fact that each member of a family is different; So as our directions change year by year, each life becomes more divergent.
Our goals are different, and our interests too – they are as diverse as each form and each face. Our roles in life are distinct from each other – God has given unique pathways to trace. Conflicts don’t come from the differences we have – that’s normal, to not be like one another. The problems arise when I try to impose my work and my ways on my brother. If I understand this – God has given His gifts to be used in the best possible way; Then I will not allow conflict to arise when my brother, chooses to differ from what I might say. It is always right for me to stop and consider events from another’s point of view. Potential conflict is stopped right away, when respect for his choices I show.
Take time to consider, I am not always right – there is much more to each issue to know; What is behind the words or the actions I see, may be made by his Lord thus to grow. In families we share the same father and mother, characteristics from them come to me; My brothers and sisters, though we have the same genes, have differences that others can see. It would be wrong for me to insist, that my way is the only one that is right; I may be slow, another one fast – one quiet and thoughtful and another one very bright. It would be wisdom for me to never speak quick – and not to always to act in my hast;
For most conflicts won’t start, and if started end soon – when we look forward, not back to the past. “O patient Father God: when there are these unfortunate incidents that keep arising up in the lives of Thy children – please help us to remember our pedigree. We all bear some characteristics of our Father. Help us to see what is good and right, and avoid anything that will cause conflict in the family. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”