DON’T DROWN!
Matthew 5:38-48
INTRODUCTION: When we chose to ignore clear warnings whether from men or from our God what should we expect? Proverbs 17:14. Unfortunately even Christians are not immune from setting their disputes with others with quarreling and the destruction that is wrought by not dealing with their disagreements in a biblical way. We must learn how to turn our disagreements into a resolution based on a biblical way to end conflict and which turns loose the power of our God to bless and mature us.
I. BIBLICAL STEPS TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION.
1. We must realize that in every relationship of life we need to expect disagreements. Remember, if you have a relationship without some disagreements you don’t have a relationship. 2.) Don’t add to the disagreement: Proverbs 26:20-21; Matthew 18:15-18. 3). Discern the sources of the disagreement. (Relational) Philippians 4:2-3;
Philippians 2:1-4; Amos 3:3; Philippians 2:14-16. (Spiritual) 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Proverbs 13:10. (Doctrinal) 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:12; Romans 14:13-18; Jude 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:23-26. (Philosophical) Acts 15:36-40. (Organizational)
Ephesians 6:4.
II. FOUR STEPS IN RESOLVING DISAGREEMENTS BIBLICALLY!
Ask yourself: “Is this my conflict?” Proverbs 26:17. When our children are grown and married we must be careful about entering into their marital problems. 2.) Ask God’s assistance to resolve your conflict: James 1:5; Proverbs 15:1; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; James 1:19-20; James 3:13-18
III. DETERMINE TO GROW THROUGH THE DISAGREEMENT!
We must not waste the lessons of our conflicts. We must learn from our conflicts. Remember a good sailor never learns his craft on calm seas. Our trials and our disagreements can become our teachers, we are meant to learn from them. ! Peter 1:6-7. Determine early on to walk in the Spirit through the conflict: Galatians 5:22-23; Galatians 5:16; Proverbs 19:11. Trust the Lord to work through the conflict and in you to accomplish His perfect plan. Hebrews 12:1-4. We need to learn to allow our God to even the score: Romans 12:17-21. As we continue to bless others and do good even to those who misuse us God will work in you and through you in all your disagreements to bless both you and those who disagree with you as you obey the Lord in your disagreements. We need to grow up and become like our Lord Jesus Christ: Philippians 2:3-16. We must stop thinking so highly of ourselves and humble ourselves under God’s control and allow Him to work His perfect will in us and through us in all our disagreements. In your disagreements be careful that in your anger you do not breach the dam and drown in the disagreement.