🎥 Video 1A Transcript: Welcome to Navigating Conflict in Christ

Hi, I am Haley Steiner, and welcome to Navigating Conflict in Christ.

This course is taught by Professor Brian DeCook.

In this course, we will look at conflict through the presence, power, and way of Jesus Christ.

Conflict is something every person faces.

It happens in marriage.

It happens in families.

It happens in churches.

It happens in teams, workplaces, friendships, ministries, and communities.

And when conflict ignites, something inside us is revealed.

We may discover fear.

We may discover anger.

We may discover pride.

We may discover hurt.

We may discover a desire to win, withdraw, control, explain, defend, accuse, or escape.

That is why conflict is not only a relationship problem.

Conflict is also a discipleship moment.

Jesus said in John 14:27 that He gives His peace, not as the world gives.

The peace of Christ is not shallow quiet.

It is not pretending everything is fine.

It is not avoiding every hard conversation.

It is not letting sin or harm continue without truth.

The peace of Christ is the presence and rule of Jesus shaping us in the middle of real life.

In this course, we will use three important words.

The first word is Wildfire.

Wildfire is a conflict response fueled by the flesh. It spreads through anger, fear, pride, gossip, revenge, self-protection, bitterness, or control.

The second word is Peacefire.

Peacefire is the place where we turn toward God in conflict. We listen. We surrender. We receive grace. We ask Jesus for the next faithful step.

The third word is Strangefire.

Strangefire happens when we try to accomplish something that may look godly, but we do it in our own power, using methods that do not reflect Jesus.

This course is not about becoming perfect in conflict.

None of us are perfect.

We all fail.

We all speak too quickly at times.

We all get defensive.

We all need grace.

The goal is not flawless performance.

The goal is learning to return to Jesus again and again.

Romans 12:18 says that, as much as it depends on us, we are to live at peace with all people.

That does not mean we can control every outcome.

It means we are responsible before God for our part.

So as we begin, ask yourself this question:

What kind of person am I becoming when conflict ignites?

Before moving on, pause and pray:

Lord Jesus, teach me to meet conflict with You, not without You.