Conflict robs of us a lot of time, sleep, energy, resources, joy and opportunities in ministry or business.
Conflict can lead to estranged relationships and bitterness.
Conflict is an opportunity to show the love and power of Christ.
Biblical conflict resolution can save marriages and prevent church splits.
FOUR BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION
(1). Glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) - Resolving conflict should be fueled by the gospel in order to demonstrate God's glory. We should put His Word into practice.
(2). Get The Log Out Of Your Eye (Matthew 7:5) - We must learn to admit our own faults first. This decreases tensions because you don't have to point out all sin when it's freely admitted.
(3). Gently Restore (Galatians 6:1) - Sometimes others fail to see their sin and we have to graciously show them their error. If they do not respond it may call for others to help out.
(4). Go And Be Reconciled (Matthew 5:24) - We are called to have restored relationships. Genuine peace should be sought after.
Since these principles are from God's Word they are timeliness and cross-cultural. But they are also counter-cultural in that people are not naturally inclined to live this way. Left to our own devices we are prone to remain in conflict and seek worldly solutions.
As Christians we have the foundation for being peacemakers since God has make peace with us through His Son. We know grace and have received it and should learn to demonstrate it.
The Lord has given us His church to help us in this process of conflict resolution (Matthew 18:16-17, Philippians 4:2-3, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8).
THIS BOOK WILL COVER
(1). How to use conflict as an opportunity to demonstrate the love and power of Jesus
(2). When it is appropriate to overlook an offense
(3). How to change attitudes and habits that lead to conflict
(4). How to confess wrongs honestly and affectively
(5). When to assert your rights
(6). How to correct others effectively
(7). How to forgive others and achieve genuine reconciliation
(8). How to negotiate just and reasonable agreements
(9). When to ask the church to intervene in a conflict
(10). How to deal with people who refuse to be reasonable
(11). When it is appropriate for a Christian to go to court
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
(1). How can unresolved conflict with others in or outside the church hurt our Christian witness?
(2). How can conflict be an opportunity to show the love and power of Christ?
(3). Although Matthew 18:15-17 is about church discipline, how it is really about reconciliation and grace?
(4). Philippians 4:2-3 speaks of two women who had some conflict. What did their relationship used to look like? What was Paul calling the church to help with?
(5). Based on 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, who is obligated to help with conflict in the church? Do you feel you have the skillset and Biblical knowledge to help others in conflict? Do you ever sense that you are missing wisdom to help you with your own conflicts?
(6). What is your go-to response when it comes to conflict in your marriage, at church or at work?
(7). Will you commit to help our church and your family with conflict when God gives you the opportunity to minister in this way?
(8) . Out of the 11 things that this book will cover, which do you think will be most helpful for you?
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