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