CONFLICT ESCALATION

Read: 2 CHRONICLES 10

---

Bible in a year: Jeremiah 32-34

Initially, Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon. However, conflict arose and Solomon tried to kill him. Jeroboam fled to Egypt (1 Kings 11:26-40). Rehoboam, Solomon's son, became king after Solomon died. Jeroboam and the people of Israel came to Rehoboam with the intention of ending the conflict. If granted, Jeroboam and his people were willing to become servants of Rehoboam.

However, instead of following the advice of the elders who had accompanied Solomon throughout his life, Rehoboam chose to listen to the words of the young people his age by saying the king would increase their burden by beating them with a whip with iron thorns (verse 11, 14). This is like a small fire that can be extinguished with a little water, but turned out to be doused with gasoline. Conflict became inevitable and this is where the beginning of the rebellion of the people of Israel against the house of David occurred (verse 19).

Conflict escalation like the story above happens because of ignoring higher quality advice, being prideful by considering oneself superior to others, and prioritizing emotions in decision-making. The negative effects can spread across generations. Therefore, avoid conflict escalation with humility (Proverbs 18:12) and strive to achieve peace (Psalm 34:15) so that solutions can be reached without tragedy.
-HC/www.renunganharian.net

---

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." -Romans 12:18

---

• « Previous
 
• Next »