Straight From The Heart

Chapter 3 - Escape Responses

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People tend to use escape responses when they are more interested in avoiding unpleasant people or situations than in resolving differences.

DENIAL -

One way to escape from a conflict is to pretend that a problem does not exist. Another way is to refuse to do what should be done to resolve a conflict properly. These responses bring only temporary relief and usually make matters worse (see 1 Sam 2:22-25)

FLIGHT -

Another way to escape from conflict is to run away. This may take the form of pulling away from a relationship, quitting a job, filing for divorce, or changing churches. Flight may be legitimate in extreme circ.u.mstances (see 1 Sam 19:9-10), but in most cases it only postpones a proper solution to a problem.

SUICIDE -

When people lose all hope of resolving a conflict, they may seek to escape from the situation (or make a desperate cry for help) by attempting to take their own lives (see 1 Sam 31:4). Suicide s never a right way to deal with conflict.

*SLIPPERY SLOPE

I. Escape Responses

A. Denial

B. Flight

C. Suicide

II. Peace Making Responses

A. Mediation

B. Arbitration

C. Accountability

D. Overlook

E. Reconciliation

F. Negotiation