Dealing with the 500-Pound Gorilla in the Room - Conflict
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The effects of unresolved conflict in our relationships.
1. It can minimize our joy.
2. It can hinder our communication with God.
1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
“…husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
3. It can hinder your sensitivity and worship to God.
Matthew
5:23-24 (NIV)
“…if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Dealing with relational conflict.
1. Do something to help bring reconciliation.
Matthew
12:34 (ESV)
“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Genesis
3:10 (NIV)
“…I heard you in the garden; and I was afraid because I was naked, and so I hid.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2. Be honest about what you have done wrong.
Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
“…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
3. Listen and consider what they are saying.
James
1:19 (NIV)
“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”
Philippians 2:4 (NLT)
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
4. Be intentional with the words you use.
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
5. Pursue reconciliation, not agreement.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers…”