Healing the Wounds of Trauma

D. God wants us to receive strength from him. In times of conflict, we need to stay close to God. We need to know Scripture and let it transform us (2 Ti 3.16–17; Ro 12.1–2). We need to spend time in prayer bringing our wounds and concerns to God, and receiving his peace in our hearts (Phil 4.6–7). Writing a lament about our experiences might help us to express our pain to God. We may need to spend time away from the situation “on the mountain” with God to restore our souls (Mk 6.31, 45–46). The Holy Spirit helps us, even when we are weak (Acts 1.8; 2 Co 12.9–10). We need to meet with other Christians, share our pains, and pray for one another (He 10.25; Jas 5.16). We should be careful not to talk about the situation in ways that sow more seeds of bitterness (1 Co 14.26). A. We can become a bridge between the groups in conflict. God created us to be social beings. By nature, we need to belong to a group. In times of conflict, we may have to sacrifice that need to belong so that we can become a bridge between the two groups in conflict. For example, we should share food and resources with those in need, no matter which side they are on. This may put our lives at risk. Our “enemies”maywant to harmus becausewe are their enemies. But members of our own group may also want to harm us because we have befriended the enemy. Close family members may condemn us (Eph 2.11–22). God calls us to love our enemies (Mt 5.43–48). When we do this, we no longer have any enemies. All people become our brothers. If we do not know any other peacemakers in the situation, wemay be alone with God as our only friend (Mt 5.9). We may well feel we are aliens in this world (1 P 1.1–2; He 11.13–16). As a bridge between the two groups, we need to try to understand the pain that each side of the conflict has experienced from their perspective. Then we can help each side understand the pain of the other, give up prejudice, and view the other as human (Ro 12.17–21). 4. How can we help bring reconciliation?

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How Can We Live as Christians in the Midst of Conflict?