Unity and Purity

Jenn Blackston

jennifer.mcgarvey@mailbox.ciu.edu

1-21-11

"Unity is not the absence or the avoidance of conflict. Unity is expecting times of conflict and committing to listen, forgive, and stand together in fighting FOR the relationship. Unity is not simply peace. Peace can be reduced to avoiding engaging in open conflict and yet still be emotionally distant and cold." (Dr. King)

I love the emphasis in this quote on fighting FOR the relationship. It says that you value the relationship enough to do the hard work necessary to protect it and to grow in grace and truth together. It is much easier to avoid and hide from conflict than to face it head on. Conflict gives us opportunity to show the grace and love of Jesus to one another and to also grow in humility. Conflict helps us to see life from another perspective. Conflict done well leads us down a road to intimacy. As leaders we can model how to handle conflict and provide safe places for people to journey through this messy, beautiful life together.