Conflict Resolution
The LCHE “Conflict Resolution Policy” and “Standard of Conduct” have been taken from the Home School Conflict Resolution Policy.
The Peacemaker’s Pledge
As people reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we believe that we are called to respond to conflict in a way that is remarkably different from the way the world deals with conflict. We also believe that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, serve other people, and grow to be like Christ. Therefore, in response to God’s love and in reliance on His grace, we commit ourselves to respond to conflict according to the following principles. (Gal. 5:19-26; Matt. 5:9; II Cor. 10:31-11:1; Rom. 8:28-29; James 1:2-4)
`GLORIFY GOD`
Instead of focusing on our own desires or dwelling on what others may do, we seek to please and honor God-by depending on His wisdom, power, and love; by faithfully obeying His commands; and by seeking to maintain a loving, merciful and forgiving attitude. (I Cor. 10:31; James 4:1-3; Psalm 37:1-6, Phil. 4:2-9; Col. 3:1-4, I Peter 2:12; John 14:15; James 3:17-18; Rom. 12:17-21; Mark 11:25)
`GET THE LOG OUR OF YOUR OWN EYE`
Instead of attacking others or dwelling on their wrongs, we will take responsibility for our own contribution to conflicts—confessing our sins, asking God to help us change any attitudes and habits that lead to conflict, and seeking to repair any harm we have caused. (Matt. 7:3-5; I John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13; Col. 3:5-14; Luke 19:8)
`GO AND SHOW YOUR BROTHER HIS FAULT`
Instead of pretending conflict doesn’t exist of talking about others behind their backs, we will choose to overlook minor offenses, or we will talk directly and graciously with those whose offenses seem too serious to overlook. When a conflict with another Christian cannot be resolved in private, we will ask others in the body of Christ to help us settle the matter in a biblical manner. (Matt. 18:15-20; James 5:9; Proverbs 19:11; Gal. 6:1-2; Eph. 4:29; II Tim. 2:24-26; I Cor. 6:1-8)
`GO AND BE RECONCILED`
Instead of accepting premature compromise or allowing relationships to wither, we will actively pursue genuine peace and reconciliation-forgiving others as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven us, and seeking just and mutually beneficial solutions to our differences. (Matt. 5:23-24; Matt. 6:12; Eph. 4:1-3, 32; Matt. 7:12; Phil. 2:3-4) By God’s grace, we will apply these principles as a matter of stewardship, realizing that conflict is an assignment, not an accident. We will remember that success, in God’s eyes, is not a matter of specific results but of faithful, dependent obedience. And we will pray that our service as peacemakers brings praise to our Lord and leads others to know his infinite love. (Matt. 25:14-21; I Peter 2:19, 4:19; Rom. 12:18, John 13:34-35)
Conflict Resolution Checklist
-Seek to please and honor God
-by depending on His wisdom, power and love
-by faithfully obeying His command
-by seeking to maintain a loving, merciful and forgiving attitude
-Take responsibility for your own contribution to the conflict
-by confessing your own sin
-by asking God to help you change any attitudes and habits that lead to conflict
-by seeking to repair any harm you have caused
-Overlook minor offenses and talk directly and graciously with those whose offenses seem too serious to overlook
-Attempt to resolve this in private, remembering these principles:
-Deal gently, not critically.
-No condemning, NONE!
-No commanding, power-play.
-No condescending, making fun, belittling, discounting.
-No diversions, deal only with the present conflict, no other issues.
-Respect the person and his possessions.
-Trust the other person.
-If not resolved in private, ask others to help you settle the matter in a biblical manner
-Actively pursue peace and reconciliation
-by forgiving others as God has forgiven you
-by seeking just and mutually beneficial solutions to your differences
Reviewed and Approved July 2022