Issues & Answers Conflict – 2/18/2017

i&A upcoming events 2/19 Conflict 2/26 Resolving Conflict 3/5 – Missions Month – Wendts 3/12 – Missions Month – Yagilnickys 3/19 – Missions Month – Sorges 3/26 – Missions Month – De Fazios 4/2 – Elder Presentation

Engaging in conflict Introduction – why this topic? Luke 6:27-36 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good , and lend expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Should Christians avoid all forms of conflict? Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Is conflict always completely avoidable? Are we to be “doormats” wherever we are? How are we perceived when we avoid conflict? Can we be at peace but not agree?

What Conflict Is not… Revenge ~ James 4:19 Quarrels ~ James 4:1 Being at peace ~ Hebrews 12:14 Not honoring authority ~ Romans 13:1 Hypocrisy/always agreeing ~ Gal. 2:11-16 Strife ~ Proverbs 26:21 What other thoughts on non- conflict from scripture?

Is there unavoidable conflict? With believers With family At work In the home At church Etc.

Some examples in the bible Showdown at Mt. Carmel ~ 1 Kings 18 God orchestrated the conflict (Ahab was in the wrong for a long time, but Elijah waited until God told him specifically what to do and when to do it). Elijah spoke/did what God had told him to speak and do… he was obedient. The conflict was orchestrated for all of Israel to see and hear and choose who their God is. This conflict is recorded with good detail for our benefit!

Some Examples in the Bible continued Peter and Paul and the works of the law ~ Galations 2:11-21 Accommodating customs within the groups of believers related to the law. Open conflict for all to see and hear. Detailed information is left for us to learn from.

Conlusion Not everything needs to end in conflict Some conflict however is inevitable perhaps even orchestrated by God In the end the conflict can produce a better outcome for all involved and many to follow!

Next Week We will explore some of the examples in the bible on resolving conflict. Prepare to bring some of your own examples to share.