Functional conflict, accepted as normal, energizes healthy change. The level road into the future is paved with possibilities. Blaming and pointing fingers that justify replacing certain people, or allows a few to control as if they are the many, can be avoided. Wounded and broken relationships can be given a chance for healing. The integrity of God s image within each one of us is upheld.
Mutual respect provides the way.
Mutual respect is fundamental to renewal. Then, mutual trust, where people can turn their back without being attacked, follows like night and day. Mutual trust is natural when mutual respect is nurtured. Yet, it is not a given. A community of faith declines when its energy is not focused upon doing what it knows builds up rather than tears down.