Solving Misunderstandings
Have you ever had a conflict with someone that seemed to come out of no where? It happens to everyone. How do you begin to define the problem and then take steps to solve the misunderstanding. Today, let’s examine some common roots of misunderstanding and see how we can solve issues of poor choices and dumb actions that lead to heated words ... hopefully in a positive manner. This example of misunderstanding begins with everything being just normal. The people, under Joshua’s leadership, had just completed the conquest of the land and now they were heading to their homes. The initial hint of a problem slides into the event as Joshua talks with the two and a half of the tribes who had land across the Jordan river.
We pick up the story of misunderstanding in Joshua 22. Everything is is returning to normal and Joshua stops the two and a half tribes before they leave. He reminds them to keep following God (5). There was a peaceful parting of ways as they left with Joshua’s blessing. Then the story takes a turn. Even today we see that sometimes people just do dumb things. That is exactly what happened as the two and a half tribes built an altar (10) almost immediately after the conversation with Joshua. When you are faced with a decision think about the impact of this decision beyond the present moment. Ask yourself, “How will this decision affect others now and in the future?”
Well, to be sure, someone was watching and reported to the rest of the nation what had just happened on the other side of the river. The first response to the problem across the river was to fight (11-12). The rest of the nation was ready to go to war against the two and a half tribes. However, cooler heads prevailed. It was decided that Phinehas the priest and tribal representatives should go and talk with the trouble makers across the river (13-14). The problem was that they accused and attacked the altar builders with their words (15-20). They did not gather information in order to formulate a wise response. The lesson is simple. In solving a misunderstanding we need to listen first and then talk. We need to get the other side of the story, but all too often we rush to judgment just like these leaders.
What do you do when you are wrongly accused? How do you react? All too often our first response is to defend ourselves and our reputation. In doing that the pent up internal emotion boils over into external expression and the fight is on. However, there is hope for this group of Israelites in their wise response (21-29). They first of all include God in the conversation and highlight the fact that God knows their intentions. Second, they emphasize the value they place on their relationships with others and God. Finally, they highlight their previous commitment to Joshua (5) and their loyalty to God. For us, the lesson is clear. When we are accused wrongly the way to solve the misunderstanding is to respond honestly and calmly. Honesty without calmness will only pour fuel on the fire.
We are bound to have conflicts with others. The important thing to keep in mind is... How do we respond to the misunderstanding? Solving a misunderstanding is critical to avoiding a costly conflict. We can see reconciliation in our relational misunderstandings as we intently listen, and honestly communicate with calmness.
jethrotools.org kg2020
Have you ever had a conflict with someone that seemed to come out of no where? It happens to everyone. How do you begin to define the problem and then take steps to solve the misunderstanding. Today, let’s examine some common roots of misunderstanding and see how we can solve issues of poor choices and dumb actions that lead to heated words ... hopefully in a positive manner. This example of misunderstanding begins with everything being just normal. The people, under Joshua’s leadership, had just completed the conquest of the land and now they were heading to their homes. The initial hint of a problem slides into the event as Joshua talks with the two and a half of the tribes who had land across the Jordan river.
We pick up the story of misunderstanding in Joshua 22. Everything is is returning to normal and Joshua stops the two and a half tribes before they leave. He reminds them to keep following God (5). There was a peaceful parting of ways as they left with Joshua’s blessing. Then the story takes a turn. Even today we see that sometimes people just do dumb things. That is exactly what happened as the two and a half tribes built an altar (10) almost immediately after the conversation with Joshua. When you are faced with a decision think about the impact of this decision beyond the present moment. Ask yourself, “How will this decision affect others now and in the future?”
Well, to be sure, someone was watching and reported to the rest of the nation what had just happened on the other side of the river. The first response to the problem across the river was to fight (11-12). The rest of the nation was ready to go to war against the two and a half tribes. However, cooler heads prevailed. It was decided that Phinehas the priest and tribal representatives should go and talk with the trouble makers across the river (13-14). The problem was that they accused and attacked the altar builders with their words (15-20). They did not gather information in order to formulate a wise response. The lesson is simple. In solving a misunderstanding we need to listen first and then talk. We need to get the other side of the story, but all too often we rush to judgment just like these leaders.
What do you do when you are wrongly accused? How do you react? All too often our first response is to defend ourselves and our reputation. In doing that the pent up internal emotion boils over into external expression and the fight is on. However, there is hope for this group of Israelites in their wise response (21-29). They first of all include God in the conversation and highlight the fact that God knows their intentions. Second, they emphasize the value they place on their relationships with others and God. Finally, they highlight their previous commitment to Joshua (5) and their loyalty to God. For us, the lesson is clear. When we are accused wrongly the way to solve the misunderstanding is to respond honestly and calmly. Honesty without calmness will only pour fuel on the fire.
We are bound to have conflicts with others. The important thing to keep in mind is... How do we respond to the misunderstanding? Solving a misunderstanding is critical to avoiding a costly conflict. We can see reconciliation in our relational misunderstandings as we intently listen, and honestly communicate with calmness.
jethrotools.org kg2020