Here we have a quick sketch I've entitled "The Physics of Conflict." I would like to introduce the basic concept first then add details later in this post. I'll start off with a few hints. See if you can figure it out. Please add your thoughts and guesses in the comments section.

Hint #1: O=Offender. T=Truth

Now let's make things a little more complicated...

Hint #2: P=Pride. H=Humility. M=Morality

Any guesses? How about the addition of these details...

What if we equate P (Pride) as a resistance force away from T (Truth) like friction and H (Humulity) as a drawing force towards T (Truth) like magnetism? We could also define M (Morality) as an axis to measure what is agreed upon by O (Offenders) as moral, ethical, altruistic, or righteous.

Have you noticed how the physics of conflict behave very much like those of a seesaw? The closer one moves to the Fulcrum (F) or Truth (T), the lighter they become relative to the person on the opposite side (read Offender). The further one moves away from the fulcrum or Truth (T), the heavier they become to the person on the opposite side. As an Offender rises, there are forces constantly attempting to pull them down (e.g. the weight of there own offenses in relation to those of the person on the opposite side) -very much like an actual seesaw. We call this force gravity in the physical world. After an Offender hits bottom, they must exert some energy or force to overcome the force that would tend to keep them down (i.e. gravity). This is what we do when we use our legs to push off. This is also required to gain lift when we have offended another individual and we desire to gain equal footing with them again. We make some effort. It is not solely dependent on the other person. These forces in play are also based upon your relative position to the person on the opposite side of the fulcrum or Truth. From a relatively higher position, it is easier due to gravity to slide towards the fulcrum/Truth. Humility (H) can work as a lubricant to help facilitate this. Pride (P) can hinder this like an abrasive. From a lower position, is it relatively more difficult to climb up to the fulcrum/Truth -again because of the "gravity of the situation." However, Humility (H) can assist like a magnet pulling one up and closer to the Truth (T). Pride (P) works as an added weight holding one down and back. Reaching Truth from a moral high ground is generally easier than doing so from a lower moral position. Think of Malala, MLK, Gandhi... Christ. Now, It should be easier to see how the forces of Pride (P) and Humility (H) affect how Offenders (O) reach the Truth (T) and ultimately each other.

Those of us who are Christian have been taught this principle in several ways in the Bible. Here are just a couple:

We see Christ as the Truth (T). "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No man comes to the Farther but by Me." John 14:6

So, substitute the symbol of the Cross for the T in our diagram.

Concernig the forces that draw us to the Truth: "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5

Christians are in NO way immune to conflict. Thus, all of the above very much applies to us whenever we find conflict with those around us.

These principles are not just Christian ones; they are universal just like the laws that govern the physics of a seesaw.

Of note, the goal of each Offender in conflict should be to move closer to the Truth not to strive to only be above the other offender. The latter will inevitably cause them to come crashing down which is often a result of self-righteousness or piety. But if each one moves toward the Truth, they will find peace, balance and stability. They will also find closeness and ultimately oneness that many of us would define as a resolution of conflict. This is what those of us who claim Christ as Truth seek. Is it not?

Sow What?