Most people don’t enjoy conflict, but in my experience, some seem to thrive on it—they’re always in the middle of it. Ever met someone like that? I’ve known people who seem to attract conflict wherever they go. While some conflicts stem from toxic and dysfunctional situations, there are also times when conflict can reveal the beauty of Christ.

I experienced this firsthand today in a situation that needed resolution. Someone said something that unintentionally caused offense and anger—it wasn’t meant to be hurtful, but it could have been phrased differently. As I stepped into the situation, I could sense the depth of pain in the room. As people shared their feelings, the weight of their hurt was palpable. But then, something powerful happened. Apologies were exchanged, and personal testimonies were shared, moving everyone to tears. Both sides felt heard, and reconciliation took place. It was a beautiful moment.

As I drove to the meeting, I had no idea what to expect. What expressions would I see on their faces? What would the emotional climate be like? How tense would their voices sound? I entered the situation feeling unprepared and apprehensive. But as people began to arrive, I sensed that the Lord was at work. This convicted me—I should have trusted from the start that He would bring resolution. I believed it in my mind, but my heart was still wrestling with doubt and uncertainty.

I saw the Lord move in that room, and it shouldn’t have surprised me. While I’ve also experienced meetings that didn’t go well, I believe that as followers of Christ, we should trust Him to bring resolution, reconciliation, and forgiveness in times of conflict. God can do a great work, but even if things don’t unfold the way we hope, He is still good. And in those moments when things don’t go as expected, we are reminded to rely on Him even more.

A minister once told me, “It takes dirt to grow.” Conflict can be messy, but it can also be the catalyst for something beautiful. We see a clear example of this in Acts 15:36–41. After their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas planned to revisit the churches they had established. However, they had a serious disagreement about whether to bring John Mark with them. Barnabas wanted to include him, but Paul refused because John Mark had previously abandoned them. 

Their conflict was so intense that they decided to part ways. Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and was commended by the church to continue the mission. Paul and Silas then traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the believers. Although this division seemed like a setback, it actually resulted in two missionary teams, allowing the gospel to spread even further. Later, Paul and John Mark reconciled, and Paul eventually recognized Mark’s value in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).

From a sharp and intense disagreement, the Lord brought good, using it to spread the gospel. Instead of one team, there were now two missionary teams, covering more ground so that more people could hear the truth about Jesus. Conflict is inevitable, but for those who follow Christ, it should ultimately lead to reconciliation and good. It can be an opportunity for hearts to mend, wounds to heal, and walls to be torn down, allowing the Lord to be exalted and known more deeply. This should be our desire in times of conflict. 

However, reconciliation requires humility and a willingness to let the Lord work in everyone’s heart. We should not only seek peace but also desire and believe in God’s best for others. Most importantly, we must remember the greatest conflict of all—the one between us and God, which Christ resolved through His sacrifice.

This should be at the heart of resolving every conflict: Christ has brought us peace with the Father. That truth should fill both the room and the hearts of those seeking resolution. So when conflict arises, and your heart starts racing—as mine did today—and your mind fills with endless scenarios, pause, pray, and remember what God has done for you in Christ. Choose to believe for the good, humble yourself, and be ready to listen more than you speak. I’ve learned that sometimes, the most powerful things are said when we say very little.

The Lord was glorified today, and I am grateful for His grace in allowing me to witness firsthand the Holy Spirit’s work in His people. Pray before you meet. Listen before you speak. Be humble, just as Christ was humble. Love, because He first loved you. When we approach conflict with this posture, we open the door for something beautiful, even in the most intense situations. Reconciliation, healing, and unity can emerge—not by our own strength, but by His grace.