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What Can We Learn From Nehemiah: Rebuilding in 2022

By Lucy Nichols

We have previously spent some time contemplating Covid Conflict and how we heal going forward, looking at Ephesians. As a people, the Body of Christ has been impacted by the traumas and the conflict that we have experienced during the pandemic. There have been many issues that have divided us during this time ranging from politics, to vaccines, to masks, to our economy, just to name a few.

It is important not to stop at healing, but to grow and to rebuild individually and together in Christ, being strengthened by and trusting in God. As we have recently celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ who died for our sins, what better time to talk about how we can rebuild
and become stronger through difficult times.

What does this look like?

At our church, we have been studying the book of Nehemiah for the last few months, completing all thirteen chapters. This Old Testament account is about so much more than the physical rebuilding of the walls in Jerusalem, which had laid in ruin for 142 years and were rebuilt in just 52 days. This is remarkable of course, but it is not the full story.

Nehemiah is also a story about the need for God’s people to be restored and to be rebuilt from their sinful and broken selves. When Nehemiah learned that those who survived the exile living back in the province were in great trouble and disgrace and that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down (its gates had been burnt with fire), he sat down and wept.

Nehemiah mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, and he prayed this:

Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses (Nehemiah 1:3-7).

God always keeps his covenant with us, despite our sinful nature and our repeatedly breaking our promises to Him. We confess our sins and shortcomings to God and ask for His forgiveness as a part of our fresh start.
During Covid, as we were being tested in so many ways, most of us at some point behaved in ways that did not bring honor to God. Our stress, worry, anxiety, conflict, and range of difficult emotions were at an all-time high for what seemed like a period with no end in sight. Some of us have suffered trauma and it was a very difficult season.

The good news is that we have entered a new season. It is spring. We recently went through Holy Week.

It is a time for rebuilding and being made new and to be reminded of God’s constant and unfailing love for His children. Throughout our lives, there will be times of rebuilding for a variety of reasons: Loss of a job, divorce, illness, loss of a loved one, a child going off to college, political discord, and a worldwide pandemic.

Rebuilding is not possible without God’s strengthening us. God assures us in Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Just as God never abandoned the Jews, He has not abandoned us. There will be times when we sin, when we are apathetic, when we break our promises to God, and when we are disobedient and unfaithful.  Nehemiah reminds us of God’s unfailing love for His children and His forgiveness of our sins.

We celebrate with great joy our rebuilding season just as God’s people did at the dedication ceremony when the wall of Jerusalem was complete and the people returned to start anew and rebuild their lives. There was great joy and a new hope throughout Jerusalem. And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away (Nehemiah 12:43).

Now it is time for us to rejoice with great joy in this season of rebuilding..

Please let us know how you are rebuilding and where you
are finding joy during this new season by commenting on this article.

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Introductory Letter from the CEO

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I would like to introduce myself:  My name is Eric Newton, and I am the new Chief Executive Officer at Conflict to Peace. 

For a bit of my background:  I am certified as a mediator by the Virginia Supreme Court.  I have a great deal of experience with Alternative Dispute Resolution, including mediation, conciliation, and facilitation, in the Chicago, Fairfax, and Washington, D.C. areas.  I have been involved with Conflict to Peace as a conciliator since Summer 2019, and I joined the Conflict to Peace Board in the Summer of 2020.  I hold a master’s degree in intercultural relations with a concentration in conflict resolution. 

I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for many years and have served in several ministries, including ministries in prayer, spiritual gifts, and two ministries that serve persons from other countries.  I have also led and facilitated Bible study groups.  I am currently involved in a weekly racial reconciliation study group, and am co-facilitating a community group with my wife through Grace Community Church in Arlington, VA. 

As CEO, I am looking to expand the emphasis on and scope of our preventative services as well continue offering our traditional conciliation services.  As an organization devoted to Biblically based conflict resolution and ministry, we recognize the importance of working with folks earlier in their relationships in order to (A) help them better understand that conflict is a normal part of every healthy relationship; (B) prepare them with how to approach their differences in a loving and Christ-centered way; and (C) by doing so, to grow in their relationship with each other and with Christ. 

I want to thank to Lucy Nichols for her article. To add to it, I am struck by two Bible passages:  Matthew 6: 9-13 and I Corinthians 10:31.  The question:  Are you giving God the glory and following God’s will?  Honestly, I can’t say that I always do.  But if I fail, I pray for wisdom and strength.  If we keep these passages in mind when we engage with others, the goal of the conversation shouldn’t be to make our point, but to reflect and bring the glory to Christ.  Remember as Jesus Christ prayed: Your Kingdom come; your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10).

May God bless you,

Eric Newton

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Responding to Conflict in Light of Easter

Responding to Conflict in Light of Easter

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

 

What is Happening at Conflict to Peace?

Things have changed dramatically in the last few weeks.  In an effort to decrease the spread of COVID-19, the government has recommended “social distancing,” that people limit going out in public, such as to restaurants and shopping, and limit discretionary travel, to the extent that they are able to do so.  Almost all schools and many workplaces have now sent their students or workers home for the next few weeks or months.  Conflict to Peace has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly moving to online sessions, through Zoom videoconferencing.  We held a training session for our conciliators on the use of Zoom on March 31st, and have now been conducting our sessions remotely.  With the recent reports about concerns with the security of Zoom videoconferencing, we are implementing all available security features to ensure the security of our clients’ information, as well as the health and safety of all concerned.

Why Is Forgiveness Important When We Are In Conflict: A Reflection of Holy Week Article by Lucy Nichols 

Let’s Start with what Season we are currently in as Christians. This is Holy Week. 

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he has said this, he breathed his last.   Luke 23:44-46 

This particular Holy Week has felt different in so many ways due to COVID-19. 

How strange it has been to walk outside and see the light pink blooms of the Dogwood, hear the early morning melody of the song birds and feel the warmth of the sun on my face after a long night of rain, all while anxiety and fear, profound sadness and daily death of so many so closely surround us. One blessing that stands out when time stands still is that during this particular Holy Week, we are afforded the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the word of God, walking those final days and hours of our Savior’s life on earth leading up to his crucifixion. 

As I read about the moments leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, the soldiers who led Jesus away and the women who mourned and wailed for him, I have wept. This year Holy Week has been even more transformative. 

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals –one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  Luke 23:32-34 

As we approach Easter Sunday, can we imagine a greater gift than our Heavenly Father’s forgiveness of our sins and the sacrifice of God’s only son who paid the very steep ransom for our sins. Jesus was innocent and was without sin and yet he was humiliated, flogged, mocked, and was crucified, suffering an unimaginably painful death so that we might be saved. When we confess our sins, truly repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, we are forgiven. We are cleansed. We are made new. We have the promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9 

Just as God forgives us of our sins and the many ways in which we wrong others, God commands us to forgive one another. God did not only die for our sins, but also for the sins of those who have wronged us. Unfortunately, it is far too easy in our own personal conflicts to forget the dear price Jesus Christ paid on the Cross for us. The more natural responses are anger, bitterness, resentment and retaliation. These responses harden our hearts and prevent forgiveness. Only God can open our hearts to forgive the person who has wronged us and to see our role in the conflict. Only God can truly transform those experiencing conflict. 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.   Colossians 3:12-13 

If you are in conflict with another, whether it is your spouse, your child, your co-worker, your friend, turn to the Lord in prayer and be reminded of the sacrifice that was made for you and that was made for the person who wronged you. The Bible tells us how to handle the conflict that is inevitable in our relationships and at the heart of how we are instructed to respond to conflict is with forgiveness. 

If you are struggling with how to forgive someone, write out a prayer to God and pray daily asking for God’s intervention in this matter. Your prayer may include asking God to soften and ready your heart and the other party’s heart for forgiveness. Your prayer may include asking God to help you hear and really understand the other person’s feelings and how he or she has been impacted by the conflict. Your prayer may include asking God to reveal your role and any wrongdoing on your part in the conflict. Your prayer may 

include your seeking the other party’s forgiveness and God’s forgiveness. Your prayer may also include communicating to the other party how you feel wronged by his or her actions and how the conflict has impacted you and that you forgive that person. Pray for patience too. To truly repent and to seek forgiveness is not an overnight process and it most certainly does not happen without God. Never forget the sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross for all of us. 

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.   Psalm 32:1-2 

Responding to Inevitable Conflict in these Troubled Times  

      Article by Ron Zabel and Mary Lyons

With more time at home with our loved ones, limited outlets for outside social interaction, or even time away at work, there is bound to be more opportunity for conflict among those who are living together 24/7.  So, many of us may be asking ourselves, “How does Christ call us to respond to conflict?”

Conflict is an inevitable part of life. How we deal with it makes all the difference.  Conflict can provide an opportunity for maturing in faith and strengthening relationships, but becomes unhealthy when handled in ways that do not honor God.  Unfortunately, the most common responses are either “flight or fight,” usually in that order.  Responding in an adversarial manner or not dealing with conflict can wound people, damage relationships, impede ministry, and fragment families.  Such responses also take a toll on our own physical and spiritual well being.

Scripture directs us to take a different approach to conflict.  There are four principles that can be helpful in responding to conflict in a God-honoring way, sometimes referred to by Christian peacemakers as the “4 G’s.”  (See Peacemaking Principles – Responding to Conflict Biblically, a brochure published by Peacemaker Ministries, available at:

https://store.peacemaker.training/collections/legacy-content   Some of the following is adapted from material in that brochure. 

The first “G” is to glorify God.  In approaching a conflict, we are to, above all else, seek to glorify God – as we should in all we do.  Instead of focusing on our own desires, we can rejoice in the Lord and bring Him praise by focusing on His forgiveness, wisdom, power, and love.  With His attributes in mind, we can then seek to obey His commands and maintain a loving relationship with the other person.

We need to look at conflict as not necessarily a bad thing, but as an opportunity to serve others and grow in Christ – to Trust Him, Acknowledge Him, Imitate Him, and Obey Him.  Whatever happens, our goal should be to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

The second “G” is to get the log out of your own eye!  Facing conflict rarely occurs without dialogue unless an offense is truly so small we can overlook it.  In preparing to participate in dialogue, we need to examine ourselves first.   We need to beware of any presumption that we might be completely right, and that the other party is all wrong.  What do we want, and why? (James 4:1-3).  We need to consider our motives.  Are they focused on getting what we want or achieving resolution and a restored relationship?  Has what we want become an idol?  In other words, has a desire that we have (even if it is a desire for something good and honorable) become a demand that has led us to judge another person, or even punish them, because it was not met?  We should also consider whether the other party’s actions could be a response to our actions.

If (or, more likely, when) we conclude that even a small part of the conflict is our fault, it is important to take responsibility for our contribution to the conflict, make a meaningful confession to those we have wronged, and ask God to help us change any attitudes that lead to conflict, as well as seeking to repair any harm we have caused.

The third “G” is to gently seek to restore the other person, rather than criticize them.  If an offense is too serious to overlook, address it gently and constructivelySpeak to the other person with love and humility, with only charitable judgments. 

Rather than listing the actions of the other person that have offended you, use “I messages” to describe the impact of the other’s behavior on you, such as “I felt hurt when…”.  Be prepared to listen, seek to understand, then speak the truth in love.  By handling conflict in this way, God may lead the other person to repentance and accountability to God.

The fourth “G” is to go and be reconciled to the other person.  Christ clearly calls us to seek reconciliation. (Matthew 5:23-4).  As dialogue begins, seek to understand the interests of the other person so that the search for a resolution can focus on serving the interests of all involved, including Christ, not just our own desires.  Instead of accepting superficial peace or allowing the relationship to wither, we should actively pursue genuine peace and reconciliation, forgiving the other person as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven us. 

Conflict can be approached with joy rather than dread, if we keep Christ’s interests at the center of our focus.  (James 1:2-4,12) 

 

Looking for Outreach Opportunities

We have appreciated the opportunity to give presentations of these principles to church and ministry groups.  We continue to look for new opportunities to share these as widely as possible.  We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we could be of value you, your church, ministry group, school, or business.  Let us know how you are led to help us, whether it be through prayer support, introducing our ministry to others, referrals, or a gift.  If you are led to bless us with a gift today, you may do so through this link: 

https://www.conflicttopeace.org/support.html

May you experience the Joy of Easter in all your relationships.

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Summer 2020: What is Happening at Conflict to Peace?

What is Happening at Conflict to Peace?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

What is Happening at Conflict to Peace?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

As we reported in our last newsletter, things have changed dramatically at Conflict to Peace since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis. We have responded to the pandemic by moving exclusively to online sessions, through Zoom videoconferencing, and have implemented all available security features to ensure the security of our clients’ information.  We also provided training in using the features of Zoom to our mediators so we could implement this technology as smoothly and effectively as possible.  We have truly missed being able to meet with clients in-person, but the Zoom platform lends itself well to Christian conciliation, as well as protecting the health and safety of all concerned.  Nationwide, many mediators, including other Christian conciliators, have embraced this platform as a primary way of providing dispute resolution services going forward, in most cases.  While a few potential clients were not amenable to using Zoom, we have successfully handled both coaching and mediation cases of clients willing to use this process.  Although, since the advent of Covid-19, there has been a decline in people seeking our services, we are praying for this to turn around as more people accept the changes this has brought to how we are able to serve them, and recognize the value of bringing a Christ-centered focus on their circumstances.

Conflict is unavoidable in all relationships. Moreover, God directs us to make every effort to live in peace with everyone. Hebrews 12:14. Peacemaking in our relationships with each other is not optional according to the Word of God.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

This places the obligation on each of us to do everything we can possibly do to live in peace with each other. We are human and sinful by nature, so living in peace with each other is not always easy. Stressful circumstances and transitions in life can create problems in relationships which can lead to conflict.

At Conflict to Peace, we offer biblically-centered coaching, conciliation, mediation and arbitration services depending on your needs. As Christians, conflict creates an opportunity to grow and be made new in our relationships with each other and with God.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

As we at Conflict to Peace mark 25 years as a peacemaking organization, we are reminded that we are humble servants of the Lord and doing His work in our peacemaking ministry. God provides us everything we need to resolve conflict. This is what sets apart a Biblical approach to mediation from other mediation services. Please share this email with the free webinar link with churches, organizations and individuals that you believe would be interested in learning how to better communicate and to resolve conflict as Christians.

We are honored to provide you with more information about God’s approach to conflict resolution and how to improve communication in our relationships, personal and professional. Please let us know if you would like to receive information about future webinars including a live webinar that we can schedule with your church or organization by contacting us at (703) 385-9877.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at https://conflicttopeace.org

STRESS & CONFLICT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS — COULD GRATITUDE BE THE ANSWER?
By Lucy E. Nichols

During the challenging times of the current Covid-19 pandemic many of us have been experiencing a variety of emotions, from anxiety, fear, sadness, depression, hopelessness, despair and anger even. Families are balancing work obligations, raising children, household duties, and more all on top of these emotions. It is enough to push anyone over the edge and certainly can contribute to more conflict in our work and personal relationships. We need to ask ourselves how should we respond to these emotions and the conflict that may be triggered in our relationships. Are we turning to God daily? If so, are most of our prayers focusing on an end to this madness or are we also giving God thanks during the pandemic? It may sound crazy to give God gratitude for a pandemic that has turned our lives upside down, but as Christians we are called to do just that.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3.

The word of God, found both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, tells us that God wants us to give thanks and to find gratitude in all circumstances.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Psalm 136:1-9
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
Who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
Who made the great lights-
His love endures forever.
The sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
God is good and he is worthy of our thanks in all things.

Psalm 136 repeats the words “His love endures forever” after every sentence, a very effective literary tool used by the Psalmist to remind of us of God’s everlasting love for His children as seen in all that he created and sacrificed for us. God is worthy of our gratitude and praise. We know that we are supposed to offer our gratitude and thanks to God in all circumstances. How do we find ways to do this, especially during difficult circumstances? Here are a few examples:

1. Start each morning being still in a quiet space and giving God thanks in prayer. 1
Thessalonians 5:16-18

2. Read Psalm 136 (or another Psalm of praise); then write your own Psalm of praise
inserting all of the wonderful blessings God has provided you and describe your
gratitude. Challenge your Christian friends to join you in this and then share your psalms
with each other. Christian fellowship in times of trouble is a gift from God and we praise
Him for this gift.

3. Sing your praise to God.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord! Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2.

4. Take a gratitude walk (or sit) in nature. When we walk or sit somewhere close to or
surrounded by nature, it is easy to be reminded of what a great Creator our Heavenly
Father is and to be assured that if he created the birds, the flowers, the streams, the trees,
he truly loves his children since he created us in his image. We give thanks for the
wonder of His creation. Genesis 1:6-7.

5. Start a gratitude journal or if a journal is overwhelming, a gratitude notecard, daily social
media post or find a gratitude friend (ask a friend to join you in a regular gratitude walk,
talk or prayer). With this type of daily focus on God and what we are grateful for in our
lives, past and present, we shift our thinking from worldly things to our comfort and
peace in the message of the gospel. We know our ultimate gift is kept in heaven for us.
We are reassured of this in 1 Peter 1:4-6, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for
a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

6. Help your child understand what gratitude is and why it is important to lift our thanks to
God in all of our circumstances. Do one of these activities together or create a new one.
We do a “highs and lows of the week” at our Church with the young people. This can be
the start of a discussion of why we give thanks for both our highs and our lows.

7. If you are struggling in a relationship, seek out gratitude in one of the above ways or
some of other way. When our focus is gratitude, grace often follows.

While Christians will certainly suffer the same physical, emotional, relationship and financial issues that non-Christians encounter, we have the word of God and we have God’s assurance that he is constant. His word and His Covenant do not change even when our circumstances do. When Christians weather a storm, we do not walk alone. God loves us in all circumstances and His love endures forever.

Conflict to Peace is Looking for Outreach Opportunities

We have appreciated the opportunity to give presentations on biblical peacemaking to church and ministry groups, and now webinars. We continue to look for new opportunities to share these principles as widely as possible. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we could be of value you, your church, ministry group, school, or business. Let us know how you are led to help, whether it be through prayer support, introducing our ministry to others, referrals, or a gift. If you are led to bless us with a gift today, you may do so through this link:

https://conflicttopeace.org/support.html

Grace filled communication is the key to resolution and peace. Our experienced conciliators provide that key.

A Proven Track Record

Since 1995 we have helped hundreds of men, women and organizations in Northern Virginia to acknowledge, confront and resolve conflict. Please contact us to arrange for a free, thirty-minute consultation, by phone or in person, about what you are facing and how we can help.

We're a local non-profit...

Conflict to Peace is a nonprofit program of Conflict Resolution and Conciliation Center, Inc. and a registered 501(c)3 organization. Check out our  About Us page. We are supported by modest fees and tax-deductible donations. To DONATE go this page: Support

Contact Information

inquire@conflicttopeace.org 

10521 Judicial Drive, Suite 207, Fairfax, VA 22030

703-385-9877

Serving Washington DC, Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William Counties, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Burke, Centreville, Herndon, Reston, Springfield, Vienna and beyond.