Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In HardshipsSample

Have you ever had great conflict with someone you were extremely close to...a child, spouse, family member, or very close friend? God hears your prayers, sees your tears, and is listening to your cries. I believe God has a very special place in His heart for those who have been wrongfully hurt, mistreated, rejected, or betrayed. He can definitely relate, for He has experienced the same heartache. In fact, He experiences hurt, betrayal, hate, and rejection from millions of people each and every day. In times of conflict, isn't it easy to lash back at a person who is hurting, mistreating, or betraying us? God has a better way... We are not in conflict with who we think we are...no, not at all. We do not war or struggle against flesh and blood. There are actually spirits and principalities who make it their mission to create division, chaos, conflict, and heartache in the relationships that God meant to be our closest. And in the last days, people's hearts will grow cold. There will be a great lack of love and gratefulness. Some will even lack gratefulness and love towards their own family. Put on the whole armor of God and pray that God will give you an extra measure of His grace to be loving and kind in all your words and deeds! During times of conflict, we can choose to be right...or we can choose to be righteous...but we cannot choose to be both. When we choose to be right, we will always experience further loss. When we choose to put on the righteousness of Christ, we become better through any conflict we face. Ask God to guide and direct you, and to give you the wisdom to know how to handle any conflict you are going through. Learn and then apply the fruits of the Spirit in your relationships. And when things get tough, always remember that love covers over a multitude of sins. A trusted pastor or a Christian counselor may be able to help you to work out your feelings and may be able to give you a different perspective, as well as ideas, of how to peacefully work out conflicts. Lead a life of love and peace, continue to do your God-given responsibilities, and then trust God with the results.