Conflict is to be resolved.
Contention is of the devil.
Disputation, debates, dissensions, arguments, controversies, quarrels, and strife or contention of any sort have no part in the gospel; they are of the devil. The gospel is one of peace, harmony, unity, and agreement. In it argument and debate are supplanted by discussion and study. Those who have the Spirit do not hang doggedly to a point of doctrine or philosophy for no other reason than to come off victorious in a disagreement. “Cease to contend one with another,” the Lord has commanded (D&C 136:23; Titus 3:9). Bruce R. McConkie. Mormon Doctrine, pgs. 160-161)
“He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention…” (3 Nephi 11:28:30)
I remember you explained the difference between conflict and contention to me years ago. I love knowing the difference. I find at church and work to frequently be in a position where I disagree with someone. I have found it helpful (sometimes difficult) to think about being in conflict and not in contention.
Conflicts in our relationships and in life, is possibly what refines us – makes us think deeply about what we believe and why are stances are the way they are.
Thank you for your post.