In conflict, emotions often run high on both sides. The key is understanding all emotions, not just your own.
Talking Points:
- Your emotions tell the first part of the story. Acknowledge your emotions and take the time to evaluate them.
- The other person has emotions, too. Practice empathy-putting yourself in their shoes to feel what they’re feeling. 1 Peter 3:8
- Healthy conflict resolution comes when both people empathize. Only then can you move beyond emotion to the issue at hand. Philippians 2:1-4
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time you had a personal conflict with someone. What happened to create the conflict? Did you try to resolve it? If yes, how did it turn out?
- Why is it important to acknowledge and understand your emotions before going into a conflict? What is likely to happen if you don’t take the time to assess how you’re feeling before acting?
- What’s the difference between sympathy and empathy? Why is empathy a skill we have to develop? Why is empathy necessary for healthy conflict resolution?
- Read 1 Peter 3:8. Identify all that this verse says to do. How does this verse challenge you?
- Read Philippians 2:1-4. Why is it important to feel understood before negotiating through an issue? What do you look for in a person’s response to know that they hear your point of view? How does that inform the way you will respond in a future conflict?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
