In my last four posts, I discussed four improper responses to conflict, all leading to plots purchased in the relational cemetery. Which begs the question—can conflict resolved correctly actually lead to life and flourishing? I believe it can!

In my next few Wednesday posts, I will be examining the wisdom found in the book of Ephesians of the Bible and applying it to conflict resolution.

In Ephesians 4:25, the Apostle Paul tells us to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” In essence, be honest...we’re family after all!

Relationships cannot be built on deception. The word falsehood in Greek is “pseudo.” A pseudo-intellectual appears to be a complex thinker when, in truth, he or she may or may not be very bright at all. She may call herself “Dr.” He may smoke a pipe and grow a distinguished-looking beard, but he got his diploma in the mail. So basically, a pseudo-something is a false-something. It’s a front—a mask—a fake. It’s not real.

We need to be honest and real about who we are and what we’re feeling. We must speak the truth in love. Being honest means acknowledging problems and conflicts, not ignoring them.

Sometimes clarifying an issue can be the means of building a relationship, even though it may focus on something negative for the moment. Using the word “clarify” rather than “confront” softens the entire approach. It might also help to write the issue down before approaching someone.

John. R. W. Stott once stated that “Fellowship is built on trust and trust is built on truth. So falsehood undermines fellowship, while truth strengthens it.”