Heart Sisters Book Club: Chapter 4

If you're just joining us, we have been discussing Natalie Chambers Snapp's new book Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have. Join us HERE for Chapter 1.

In Chapter Four, Natalie discusses conflict, that nasty little pest that plagues each and every one of our relationships. God made each of us with a unique outlook on life. Add to that the fact that we live in a sin-filled world and that is what you call a recipe for disaster. Natalie is quick to point out that while conflict will happen in every relationship, conflict resolution is an absolute must.

Something that she wrote about this process really struck me. She was talking about the need for Humility in a friendship and in conflict resolution when she stated, “Being humble doesn’t only mean you don’t toot your own horn. It means you accept you will mess up from time to time and might need to apologize for it to boot. It means going to someone in a nonacusatory manner to seek understanding without assuming you have done nothing wrong and being willing to own your part and move toward reconciliation.”  Natalie also pointed out that while working in ministry, it was the women who fostered humble attitudes in their relationships that were able to participate in long-lasting Heart Sister friendships.

She was also sure to address that not every conflict ends how we might like. Sometimes there will be no reconciliation. We must, however, take note that while reconciliation takes two people, forgiveness and moving forward can occur when just one party chooses to follow the directive God has given us for conflict resolution.

We will pursue the concept of forgiveness some more on June 13th as we review Chapter Five. In the mean-time be sure to check out the thought provoking questions below and post your responses in the comments.

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1. Have you ever walked through a conflict with a friend that didn't go so well? What would you do dofferently if you could? 
   
2. Why would you think humility is important when talking to a friend about a conflict?
   
3. Do you have a conflict plan with any of your friends? If so, what have you agreed to do when conflict arises? If not, what are your thoughts on discussing this with your friends?
   
4. How do you react to conflict? Do you try to avoid it and "sweep everything under the rug"? Do you take responsibility for offenses wven when you aren't guilty so there can be peace? Do you speak before you think? Reflect on this for a moment and ask the Lord to reveal what He wants you to do when conflict arises. 
5. Has pride ever negatively impacted any of your personal relationships?

Devotional written by LINDSEY.