March 29 & 30 - Conflict Resolution

Core Scripture(s):
Matthew 18:15 (MSG)"If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won't listen, tell the church. If he won't listen to the church, you'll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God's forgiving love.”

1 Peter 3:10-11 (AMP) “For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good – whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]

Luke 6:27-38 (The Message Translation)

Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!” (The Message)

Discussion Questions:

• The Word says in 1 Peter 3:10-11 (AMP) – see above – that there are three things we need to do if we want to enjoy life and see good days, what are they?
• He says we shouldn’t just desire peace, but pursue it – how can you pursue peace with your friends (or enemies)?
• What is the first thing Jesus says we should do (in Matthew 18:15) when someone has hurt us? How do we tend to actually handle these situations and what often happens as a result
• What will you do the next time you face conflict to make sure (for your part) that you are obeying what God’s laid out for us to do?

Bottom Line:
Conflicts are inevitable in life – even among Christians. How can we “agree to disagree agreeably,” or resolve our conflicts without tearing apart our friendships? The reality is, no matter how hard we try to be loving in what we do, our love is imperfect and we will let people down eventually. But the good news is that there is a way to tap into a source of perfect love to help us love and live at peace with people around us.