One way we can live as light in a world of darkness is in our conflict resolution. Take a look at Cain in the Bible and how he handled things. He was jealous of his brother Abel for no other reason than Abel’s devotion to God. Cain’s jealousy turned to rage against his brother, and he killed him. I can identify with Cain. Before Christ saved me, I handled most of my conflicts with violence, either from my lips or my hands. My Cain-like responses to conflict resolution landed me a life-sentence in prison.


But Paul writes to us of a better way. Though we will have anger in our life, our response to it ought not to be sinful. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:31 to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” In place of those things, we must “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32). The life-sentence we all bear has been lifted by the One who is slow to anger with us, compassionate and gracious, abounding in steadfast love.