How do we handle

CONFLICTS? A Knuckle Sandwich?

Why

Step #1 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. Matthew 18:15

go and show him his fault? 1.

Out of obedience - it’s what God says we’re to do!

2.

If your brother has sinned against you, he’s out of fellowship with God! And out of fellowship with you. (See 1st John 1:6-7)

Holler and scream? Intimidation? Manipulation? The “Silent Treatment?” Gossip & Slander? Lawsuits? Negotiation?

If

your brother sins against you... If is a big word.

If

means it might not be a sin; it might not have even happened; it might just be mis-communication or misunderstanding. What if it’s just a difference of opinion? What if he (or she) just hurt your feelings? He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

How ‘bout we try If is a good reason to keep it just

GOD’S WAY!

THE GOAL SHOULD BE RECONCILIATION! (Turning enemies into friends)

between the two of you. And, who is “your brother?” A “blood” brother? How ‘bout a half-brother? Or, a step-brother?” A fellow Christian? A fellow human being? (I think they all qualify)

Why do it just between the two of you? 1.

Out of obedience - it’s what God says we’re to do!.

2.

It’s nobody else’s business except your and the one who has sinned against you

3.

It hopefully keeps the issue low-key.

Beware: Confrontation, even one-onone, can aggravate things! So, Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him GENTLY. Galatians 6:1

However, if there’s no confrontation, there’s no obedience, and if there’s no obedience, there’s no blessing!

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 When iron sharpens iron, things tend to heat up and sparks fly. However, God will honor your obedience to bless you, ‘cause when one man sharpens another, both are better off! It’s my experience that 99% of all interpersonal conflicts are solved just by obeying God and taking Step #1. On rare occasions, Step #2 must be taken.

Step #2 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established... Matthew 18:16

1. 2.

Why take one or two others? Out of obedience - it’s what God says we’re to do! To K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simply Simple) Is it important who the other one or two are?

1.

Consider someone who is wise and mature. 2. Consider someone who has a good relationship with both people. 3. Consider someone who is a Godly person. Of the 1% not solved with Step #1, 99% of them will be solved with Step #2. For the 1 out of 1000 that remain, what’s left is Step #3.

Step #3 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church... Matthew 18:17

In a church setting, go to the Pastor or Elders. In a non-church setting, go to the boss, or the law.

Class 4c

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

REMEMBER, the goal is reconciliation, not revenge! 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 rom for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19

One added note: DON’T FORGET FORGIVENESS! WE NEED TO FORGIVE! For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men th. eir sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

NO HOLDING GRUDGES!

How does God want us to handle our conflicts?

New Life Corrections Ministry A Division of Wayside Cross Ministries 215 East New York Street Aurora IL 60505 630-723-3406