Good Beautiful and Kind - Loving Well
Speaker: Pastor Pierre du Plessis
Read: 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Hebrews 12:15-17; James 4:1; 1 John 4:20
Conflict is inevitable in this life. It sometimes begins with us and at other times begins with someone else. When our values, desires or expectations are challenged it can disappoint, frustrate or even hurt us and lead to conflict. Likewise, we may do the same to others because the root of conflict is within us. We all react and deal with conflict based on various factors such as our personality type, our perspective of ourselves, how conflict was handled in our families of origin, and those things which we value most. When we lack the ability to manage conflict in healthy ways it can lead to unforgiveness, bitterness, disunity and broken relationships.
Yet Scripture teaches that humility is needed to preserve love and unity that glorifies the Father. How we deal with conflict reflects the depths of our maturity with Christ. Jesus calls us to hold the tension of conflict with grace, truth and love. We can only do this when love becomes our highest value. For loving well is at the heart of following Jesus.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
Conflict is defined as normal and often emotionally charged disagreements regarding a meaningful situation. What are some issues that you find yourself in conflict about? Who are the people you find yourself in conflict with?
In conflict, we often think the problem lies with the other person. Read James 4:1-2. Where does Scripture say it comes from? What are some things that you want, expect or desire that leads to conflict in your life?
How did your family of origin handle conflict? Do you repeat or repel this pattern?
Read the following passages: Colossians 3:13, 1 John 4:20, Hebrews 12:14-17, Ephesians 4: 15,32. What suggestions do these Scriptures give for how we should seek to handle conflict? Why do we sometimes find it difficult to do so?
Three stages in relationships were shared: (1) heavenly stage where we see the best in others, (2) hellish stage where tensions kick in as some expectations are violated, and (3) a stage of holding the tension with grace, truth and love. Consider the relationships you have with family members, friends, co-worker etc. In what stage would you say you are in with them?
It was said that conflict can be a bridge to love. What does this mean to you? How can conflict lead to a stronger healthy relationship with another?
