HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 76
page A74
Conflict continued
• 2 T I MOT H Y 2 :2 4 | A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone,
be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
When someone disagrees with what you are saying, maintain a gracious, gentle, and
patient attitude instead of becoming angry and defensive.
How do I keep a conflict from getting out of control?
• PR O V E R B S 1 7 :2 7 | A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is
even-tempered.
Words can be used as tools or weapons and therefore must be used carefully.
• MAT T H E W 5 :2 4 | “Go and be reconciled to that person.”
We are not to “bury” or deny conflicts; instead, we should take immediate steps to resolve
them.
• MAT T H E W 1 8 :1 5 -1 7 | “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the
offense.”
Jesus outlines a three-step process for confronting major conflicts among believers.
How can we ever hope to resolve conflict with an enemy?
C
• MAT T H E W 5 :4 3 -4 5 | “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate
your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way,
you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (See note on page 865.)
Human nature loves friends and hates enemies. But Jesus brought a new command that
adds a divine perspective—if you want to resolve conflict, reach out in love to your enemy.
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Sometimes it seems that I am at war with myself. There is a conflict within.
What’s the outcome of that?
• MAT T H E W 1 2 :2 5 | “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered
by feuding will fall apart.” (See note on page 873.)
While we must recognize the battle over sin that constantly goes on within us, we must
be committed to standing against it. Failing to stand against sin in your own life pits self
against self, which is doomed to destroy you. If you allow Satan to command a strategic
area of your life, he will defeat you.
• G A L AT I A NS 5 :1 7 , 2 2 | The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what
the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature
desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out
your good intentions. . . . But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (See note on page 1062.)
When you become a Christian, a new conflict will begin inside you that will be a life-long
battle: what you want versus what God wants. Fortunately, you also have the Holy Spirit
living in you, and when you allow him, he gives you the tools you need to fight your sinful
nature. Over time, this conflict within yourself will lessen (though never go away) as peace,
patience, gentleness, self-control and other characteristics of God start to overcome your
sinful nature.
Some people seem to pick fights most of the time, trying to divide others. How
should I respond to them?
• R O MA NS 1 6 :1 7 | Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith. (See
note on page 1027.)
Sometimes the best way to deal with conflict is to avoid it.
Should Christians go to court?
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 6 :7 | To have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. (See note
on page 1033.)
The Bible says that lawsuits among Christians are to be avoided. Trust that God knows the
truth and will one day set to right all injustices.