Isn't the whole land before you? Separate from me: if [you go] to the left, I will go to the right; if [you go] to the right, I will go to the left. – Genesis 13:9
Conflict is a part of every relationship: whether between friends, a husband and wife, or the members of a family or church. The question is not, "Will conflict come?" but rather, "What should we do when it does?"
Abram (Abraham) and his nephew (Lot) were not able to share the same fields due to the size of their herds, so they separated in order to keep the peace. The key to the resolution of their conflict was the fact that Abraham trusted God and was willing to compromise; therefore, God was honored (by at least one of the parties) and peace reigned.
When conflict arises, you should always seek a solution that honors God. Everyone should also agree that compromise will be necessary, and each party will most likely have to surrender some "turf." If all else fails, you may have to go in opposing directions, agree to disagree, or even separate (i.e., Paul and Barnabas). While this is not an appropriate choice in a marriage relationship, it may be the only option to maintain peace in a church, a family, or between friends. Sometimes such splits are only for a season, to give time for God's wisdom to prevail.
Just remember that in conflict, it will always be the one who dies the most and trusts the most who will bring peace.
Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict. – Saul Alinsky
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