Resolving conflict

   I have always considered my extended family to be "Christian". As I have gotten older, I have realized that some of them are and some of them probably aren't, or at least aren't strong in their faith. Nevertheless, they are family. We have always supported each other, enjoyed each other's company, and gotten together quite frequently over the years. We've had little conflicts, but we've worked through them.
   Recently there has been a lot of division in my extended family. Concerning a lawsuit within the family, my immediate family all feels very strongly that we need to support my cousin. The rest of my extended family feels that the prosecutor, my aunt, is in the right.
   Now. My relatives, who I really do believe many of them are saved have been treating us very unkindly. Calling us and sending us emails full of harsh words and nasty comments. My family has been very calm in explaining why we are supporting my cousin and trying to convince them that there are valid reasons. In the end, their reasoning doesn't even make sense anymore, and they're really just holding onto their pride and the belief that people don't change.
   All this inspired me to look up some verses on resolving conflict and see what the Christ-like way is.

Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. "

Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. "

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Luke 6:27 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. "

James 1:19-21 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

   I feel like so many if the words spoken by my relatives are quickly spoken, meant to hurt, and said in bitterness. This would be one thing coming from non-Christians, but coming from family, who claim to be Christians, it hurts. They wont meet with us in person, they wont meet with us with a trusted Christian family friend for reconciliation, they have just shunned us entirely. It is incredibly sad when Christians misquote scripture to harm each other. Or treat each other like this in general!

~Melody