Even Christians experience conflict at times. Conflicts, angry rows and arguments are part of life. They can lead to a sense of guilt or disempowerment and to a frightening sense of disintegration. ‘Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold’ (W.B. Yeats, ‘The Second Coming’). But there is invariably a moment of truth at the heart of a conflict situation, when it is possible to glimpse the pain which lies behind the other person’s anger. At such a moment, it helps to be conscious of God present to the whole situation, loving all the parties involved. It’s important to try to hold on to this and at the same time allow oneself to feel compassion, even if only for a split second, for the other person or group. It is this tiny moment of real compassion which will ultimately resolve the conflict and bring peace.