Issues of conflict in Relationships:
1. Money
2. Sex
3. Relationships with others
4. Communication
James 4:1-3
“All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of man, even those who hang themselves.” -Blaise Pascal
Tips on Confronting others:
1. Do it when it's most convenient for them, not for you
2. Pray first
3. Is there anything you can apologize for first?
4. Be clear on what it is you are challenging them about.
5. Don't use absolute statements
6. Use the Sandwich Method
Encourage
Challenge
Encourage
Challenge them through their gifting
Matthew 18:21-22
Matthew 18:23-35
“Forgiveness means giving up the right to seek repayment from the one who harmed you.” - Timothy Keller
“Ultimately, any love that is afraid to confront the beloved is really not love but a selfish desire to be loved. Cowardice is always selfish, putting your own needs ahead of the needs of the other. A love that says, “I’ll do anything to keep him or her loving and approving of me!” is not real love at all. It is not loving the person; it is loving the love you get from the person. True love is willing to confront, even to “lose” the beloved in the short run if there is a chance to help him or her.” - Timothy Keller
Forgiveness does not mean I trust you. It means I want to reestablish trust with you.
“Everything is needful that He sends; nothing can be needful that He withholds.” - John Newton
Questions:
1. Who do you have conflict with right now?
2. Who do you need to forgive?
3. What do you need to do to get that process started?
4. Are you a person who lives out the Gospel? Do you treat your friends better than they deserve because of what Christ has done for you?
5. Have you begun to regularly encourage others? How is that going? If not why not?