“RELATING WITH PEOPLE OUTSIDE CFC” Christian personal relationships talk #6

introduction

introduction OBJECTIVES

“RELATING WITH PEOPLE OUTSIDE CFC” • How do we relate with other people outside of CFC who do not share our beliefs? • How do we handle conflicts in these relationships as Christians? • How do we give glory to God in the way we relate with others outside CFC?

Discuss and share on the following questions: • Have you been in a difficult situation where you found yourself in conflict with people outside of CFC who do not share our beliefs? (example: those who are not Christians) • How did you handle the situation? • Do you think you can be a better and more effective witness for Christ when you are in difficult or painful circumstances?

Relating with people outside cfc 1. We are called to relate well with people both inside and outside CFC 1 Peter 1:22

Relating with people outside cfc 2. We often have to relate in a different way, unlike that in CFC. There are some very basic differences: Different belief or religion We may differ in what we value most Differences in our beliefs (Traditional Marriage vs Same sex Marriage)

3. Many things that work inside CFC will not always work outside Relating with people outside cfc Relating with people outside cfc 3. Many things that work inside CFC will not always work outside

4. We need wisdom and sensitivity Relating with people outside cfc 4. We need wisdom and sensitivity

5. Scripture on how to handle life's difficulties in the world. Relating with people outside cfc 5. Scripture on how to handle life's difficulties in the world. “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, Yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” I Peter 3:13-16

5. Scripture on how to handle life's difficulties in the world. Relating with people outside cfc 5. Scripture on how to handle life's difficulties in the world. “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favour, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favour with God.” I Peter 2:18-25

DEALING WITH CONFLICT SITUATIONS 1. Examples of difficult or conflict situations: People who persecute others for being Christian People who are domineering People who try to draw us into unethical business practices Worldly behavior Unchristian views

DEALING WITH CONFLICT SITUATIONS 2. Practical advice: 1. Be men and women of peace

DEALING WITH CONFLICT SITUATIONS 2. Practical advice: 2. Know yourself

DEALING WITH CONFLICT SITUATIONS 2. Practical advice: 3. Practice tolerance

DEALING WITH CONFLICT SITUATIONS 3. If conflict goes beyond what is right or acceptable, separate to the degree necessary.

DEALING WITH CONFLICT SITUATIONS 4. Do not fight back, don't retaliate.

CONCLUSION “On the question of relating to our fellowman - our neighbor's spiritual need transcends every commandment. Everything else we do is a means to an end. But love is an end already, since God is love.”

Christian Personal Relationship Series Learning to love one another Honor and Respect Taming the Tongue 4. Correction 5. Working out difficulties in CFC 6. Relating with people outside CFC