Authentic Faith in Action: From the Book of Jamesනියැදිය

Day 20: Causes of Conflicts

Conflict is something none of us can escape. Whether with a spouse, a friend, a coworker, or even within the church, disagreements will arise. But James challenges us to pause and ask: Where do these conflicts really come from?

Often, when tensions rise, we’re quick to point the finger outward. They just don’t understand me. If only they would listen. Sometimes we even take that attitude into prayer, asking God to “fix” the other person so they’ll see things our way. But Scripture reminds us that conflict doesn’t always start with the other person—it begins in our own hearts.

James points to desires that war within us. It’s the longing to be right. The craving to be heard more than we listen. The need to have things our way. Left unchecked, these desires fuel quarrels and prevent us from experiencing true peace.

David’s prayer in Psalm 51 gives us a better posture: “Create in me a pure heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10, NIV) Instead of asking God to change others, we can ask Him to purify our motives and renew our spirits. When our hearts are aligned with God’s will, we become less focused on winning arguments and more focused on understanding, loving, and seeking reconciliation.

Reflection: Am I willing to look inward and be honest about the root causes of conflict in my life? Do I pray with a desire to understand God’s will, or only with hopes of getting my own way?

Application: If you find yourself in conflict today, pause before reacting. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any selfish motives at play. Pray not only for resolution, but also for a pure heart that seeks His will above your own.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal to me the selfish desires that fuel conflict in my life. Teach me to listen more than I speak, to seek understanding instead of control, and to pray with a heart aligned to Your will. Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In Jesus' name, Amen.