Time and Newsweek magazines typically conclude each year with an issue full of photographs that summarize the major events of the previous year. Throughout the years, I have noted that seventy-five percent of these photographs are directly related to stories of conflict around the world. All over the world, conflict abounds: Chechnya, Abkhazia, Central Asia, Israel, Rwanda, Somalia, Mozambique, Indonesia, The Philippines, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New York City, and countless other places. Unfortunately, conflicts don’t just occur in newsworthy world events. We all experience conflicts that threaten the stability and undermine the security and growth of our families, our friendships and relationships with others, our churches, our organizations, and our countries. Conflicts often produce damaged and broken relationships that are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to fully heal and reconcile.

Contention and strife are horrible and ruthless enemies of the beautiful jewel called unity, and they create endless conflict.  Marriages and relationships are destroyed because of unresolved conflict and multitudes of organizations are destroyed by it. Friendships disintegrate, companies split, and churches are divided as a result of unresolved conflict. How’s your world? Is it full of conflict … or peace? Beware of the danger of conflict!