“Let sleeping dogs lie,” some say. Problem is, they eventually wake up and bite!

Scripture has better advice: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.” (Matthew 5:23-25a). Please also note that it’s up to you to initiate resolution even if you never caused the problem.

We must be proactive, intentional, action-oriented! Determine within yourself now that you will resolve future conflicts ASAP! It’s okay to feel anger at being mistreated—that’s simply a natural reflex God put within all of us when injustice occurs. Ephesians 4:26-27 confirms that anger in and of itself is not sinful, but also warns us to not give the devil a foothold by hanging on to it too long. For like concrete, anger can “harden” overnight and turn into sinful bitterness.

If you are a married man, understand that conflict prevents worship/connection with God. 1 Peter 3:7 advises us: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” You want God to hear your prayers? Get right with your wife!

Matthew 18:15-17 gives us a process for attempting peaceful resolution and restoration: “If a brother or sister sins, go and point out the fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

Bottom line? Conflicts that are allowed to fester will intensify and poison both you and your future. Resolve differences quickly!