| Every people
has its own, often unwritten, rules to handle disputes
and differences in a culturally appropriate way.
In the individualistic society of Australia open
criticism and face-to-face confrontation is a way
to resolve conflicts. Committees balance individual
freedom. But in many group-oriented Asian cultures
exposing the vulnerability of individuals may be
unacceptable. “Saving face” is an important
concern. Conflicts may be resolved through mediators.
Other societies settle conflicts and make decisions
by consensus, after lengthy periods of informal
discussion and consideration. Committees in such
contexts may not work effectively.
Ask yourself: |
How does
my host culture approach conflict?
Who has authority? How are decisions made? What are
the social roles?
How much power does a leader have in comparison with
other people?
How much freedom do individuals have to make their
own decisions?
What are the biblical principles I can use to interact
redemptively?
|
In Matthew 18:15-17
Jesus instructed his disciples how to deal with sin
in the church. There may be times for public confrontation
of sin in any culture, but in many cultures that
approach can be inadequate – or destructive. |
Take a look
at the whole chapter (especially verses 4, 14,
19, 23, and 35).
You find that Jesus stresses qualities like humility,
sensitivity, compassion, unity, servanthood, and
a forgiving spirit.
Use the principles that this chapter contains. And
make sure you consider other scriptural instruction
on how to deal with conflict.
|
- Restrict the scope of the disagreement
to “just between the two of you.” Exercise
caution (Proverbs 3:30; 20:3; 25:8).
- Restore relationships. Jesus affirms
the centrality of love in neighborly relationships
(Matthew 22:39 cf. Phil 2:3).
- Humbly
rely on the counsel of others, rather than your
own judgment. James 1:19 admonishes
to be “slow to anger” and Paul
encourages us to patience and unity (Ephesians
4:2-3), and
to avoid strife (2 Timothy 2:14; 1 Corinthians
3:3).
- The
Bible contains valuable examples of the use of
mediators, messengers, feasts for
restoring peace. See 2 Samuel 3 (Abner
and David), 1 Samuel 25 (Abigail, Nabal, and
David), 1 and
2 Samuel (Jonathan and Saul).
|
You
will be more effective
when you seek to apply biblical principles
in a cross-culturally sensitive way.
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