When someone offends us, we have a tendency to fight or take flight. We either just avoid them or we attack them. These ways of dealing with relational conflicts are toxic to building this new community called the Body of Christ. They do not lead to reconciliation, growth, or love, which is at the heart of this new community. Is there another way?

The Scriptures call us to speak the truth in love and gentleness. What does it mean to do that? It means to apply the gospel to our relational conflicts. (1) We examine ourselves first; (2) we focus on what we are trying to achieve, i.e., redeeming the relationship; (3) we create a safe environment of respect and love; and (4) we enter into a healthy dialog.