The Bible tells us there is an urgency to resolving disputes. Paul wrote, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26,27). In other words, deal with it quickly. Today, if possible. In this way, a bad situation won’t escalate into something more dangerous. In Matthew 5:23,24 Jesus taught, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” A festering grudge is an open invitation to more discord. God sees our conflicts and broken relationships as urgent. He wants us to make conflict resolution our highest priority.
We can only be truly joyful regarding God’s shalom if we are also at peace with one another. So it is important that we address conflicts early, before they can get head of steam. That truth is magnified many times over in our most personal and intimate relationships. Married couples, for example, would do better in applying the Sunset Principle if husbands and wives established the daily habit of finishing their days together with a prayer that covers some of the disappointments and highlights of the day. When a disagreement threatens to disturb unity and peace, this practice forces a conversation about resolving the matter before retiring. You’d be surprised at how many family altercations can be avoided by joining together in seeking God’s help with a potential conflict.