Reading: Characteristics of the Wildfire - Slides

Restoring Relationships

Transforming Justice

Lecture 3

Characteristics of the Wildfire

The Conflict Wildfire

Represents the dynamic nature of conflict.

The Conflict Wildfire

Represents the dynamic nature of conflict.

The Wildfire includes all the factors that contribute to a conflict – people, relationships, history, emotions, attitudes, actions, desires, money, material issues/property, legal issues, etc.

Conflict Habits

We all develop habits that we employ when responding  to conflict.

Conflict Habits

We all develop habits that we employ when responding  to conflict.

We develop these habits over time as we write our conflict stories.

Conflict Habits

We all develop habits that we employ when responding  to conflict.

We develop these habits over time as we write our conflict stories.

Our conflict stories are a collection of our conflict habits.

Conflict Habits

We all develop habits that we employ when responding  to conflict.

We develop these habits over time as we write our conflict stories.

Our conflict stories are a collection of our conflict habits.

Some people develop aggressive conflict habits – others are passive avoiders of conflict. Some of us have to win every conflict – others learn how to compromise.

Conflict Habits

There is no single, correct way to respond to a conflict wildfire – every conflict is different.

Conflict Habits

There is no single, correct way to respond to a conflict wildfire – every conflict is different.

But when our focus is on the conflict wildfire, most of us focus on pursuing a desired outcome.

The Desired Outcome

Some define peace as the absence of conflict.

The Desired Outcome

Some define peace as the absence of conflict.

When we pursue a desired outcome in a conflict wildfire, we pursue a peace that is based on getting what we want.

The Desired Outcome

Some define peace as the absence of conflict.

When we pursue a desired outcome in a conflict wildfire, we pursue a peace that is based on getting what we want.

When we don’t obtain our desired outcome, it can lead to more conflict.

The Desired Outcome

Some define peace as the absence of conflict.

When we pursue a desired outcome in a conflict wildfire, we pursue a peace that is based on getting what we want.

When we don’t obtain our desired outcome, it can lead to more conflict.

Even when we obtain our desired outcome, it can come at a cost that leads to more conflict.

A Curious Perspective on Conflict

The Bible tells us some astonishing things about conflict and peace.

A Curious Perspective on Conflict

The Bible tells us some astonishing things about conflict and peace.

One thing the Bible tells us is that we should not be surprised when we experience conflict – conflict is part of the Christian life.

Don’t Be Surprised By Conflict

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

A Curious Perspective on Conflict

Jesus taught that not only should we not be surprised by conflict, he also taught that peace is not found in obtaining a desired outcome or in our circumstances – He taught that peace was found in knowing him.

A Curious Perspective on Conflict

Jesus taught that not only should we not be surprised by conflict, he also taught that peace is not found in obtaining a desired outcome or in our circumstances – He taught that peace was found in knowing him.

This peace that Jesus brings in the midst of a conflict wildfire is reminiscent of the 4^th man in the fire in Daniel 3.

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Lecture 3

The Wildfire represents the dynamic nature of conflict and all it encompasses (people, property, emotions, history, etc.). 

We all develop habits for responding to conflict. 

Our conflict stories are a collection of our conflict habits. 

Lecture 3

While everyone responds to conflict in different ways, the common feature in the Wildfire is everyone pursues their desired outcome.

 In the world system, peace is the absence of conflict. 

Jesus Christ taught that conflict is to be expected and that His followers would experience His peace in the midst of it.