To live above with those we love,
Well, that will be glory.
To live below with those we know,
Well, that’s another story.

Wherever two or more people gather in the close quarters of family, church, work, or community, conflict is bound to happen. The Bible affirms that from cover to cover. Jacob did not get along with Esau. King Saul tried to kill David. St. Paul wanted nothing to do with his former traveling companion Mark. The letters of the New Testament are full of advice on resolving difficulties.

So, I want to offer some thoughts today about conflict resolution. This is not a seven point plan for resolving all differences. It is a few hints from life about getting along with one another.

I. Be Factual

As a kid, one of my favorite TV shows was Dragnet, where Sergeant Joe Friday re…