Navigating Life's Challenges // How To Resolve Conflict
Navigating Life's Challenges // How To Resolve Conflict
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in His holy temple. Psalm 11:3 - 4a
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16a
In order for relationships to work, we must let the One who designed them define them.
Am I going to base my life on what I think or what God thinks?
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
My relationship with God is inseparable to my relationship with the people God has put in my life.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples…” John 13:34 - 35
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
Matthew 22:36 - 38
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39
“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” Matthew 24:10
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come...” Luke 17:1a
We have a wrong understanding of forgiveness.
It’s not minimizing the seriousness of the offense.
It’s not reconciliation.
It’s not forgetting what happened.
We don’t think it’s fair.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Matthew 18:21
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy- seven times.” Matthew 18:22
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” - CS Lewis
We don’t think we can do it.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
What are Steps We Take Toward Those That Have Hurt Us?
Pray for them.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43 - 44
Bless them.
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27 - 28
Do good to them.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17 - 21 Ephesians 4:31 - 32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
The forgiven forgive.