We are social beings built for peace. Every human being inherently longs for harmonious relationships. But there is a gap between our longings and how we actually live. That’s why understanding the five competencies of conflict resolution are so important. Today we will look at what it means to forgive others.

Asking for forgiveness is humbling. Who likes to admit they’re wrong? But if we want to make things right, we need to do this right. This blog is part four of a series on the five core competencies of conflict resolution. In this blog we will look at what it means to ask for forgiveness.

Today we thought we'd share this TED video from TEDxGeorgetown. TIME magazine editor Bobby Ghosh talks about 'jihad' and says that the global jihad of terror is in its final days.

Whenever I teach on peacemaking I ask those at the seminar, “Which aspect of conflict resolution is most difficult for you?” Invariably, the most hands go up when I mention “accepting reproof.” People find it hard to lovingly reprove, but even harder to accept reproof!

People usually respond to conflict in one of two ways: we seek to ensure our well-being by avoiding contact with our offenders, or we find ways to defeat them. Psychologists refer to this as the “fight or flight” syndrome. But Jesus calls us to a third way. We neither distance ourselves from offenders nor attack them. Instead, we lovingly reprove them.

We all know the pain of conflict. We have been wounded by words and wounded others with our words. In our hearts we realize that unresolved conflict poisons relationships and multiplies alienation. So we need help.Many people have the will to make peace but not the skill. So in my next number of blogs I want to strengthen readers' will and help with the skills of peacemaking.

There is a fascinating account of wise leadership and conflict resolution in the early church. Acts 6:1-6 describes three kinds of challenges that face leaders continually. The church was growing, cultural diversity was increasing, and old structures were creaking. Here’s what happened...

Leaders disagree, sparks fly, and teams divide. Been there. Done that.But take heart. Even great leaders clash. Two of my favorite leaders in the Bible, Paul and Barnabas, had a “sharp disagreement” that led to a team split. What can we learn from their pain?

Especially since the 9/11 attacks on US soil, we Americans have struggled to come to terms with the concept of Shari’a. But our fear of Shari’a is not just about women’s rights, or even some of the prescribed punishments (hudud) for theft or adultery that seem barbaric to us – they’re rarely applied even in places like Saudi Arabia. Our real fear, understandably, is terrorism.