Conflict in Relationships How do we naturally respond to conflict resulting from sin? – Hide (Genesis 3:8) – Blame others (Genesis 3:12-13) – Lie (Mark 14:68-71) How does God respond to sin? – With consequences (Deuteronomy 32:4) Genesis 3:16-18; Genesis 6-8; Genesis 18-19; Numbers 20:12; Joshua 7; 2 Samuel 12:10, 11, – With mercy and grace (Mark 16:7 & John 21:15-17; Romans 6:23) Withholding what we truly deserve and offering to us what we don’t

Conflict in Relationships How does God want us to respond to sin? (Matthew 18:15-18) 1.“If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell her in private what she did wrong. If she listens to you, you have helped her to be your sister again.” New Century Version Approach with love and expectation of repentance (Hebrews 10:24, James 5:20, Proverbs 17:9, Leviticus 19:17) 2.Include one or two witnesses so that “every accusation my be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15) 3.Bring it before church leadership 4.Disassociate with her until she repents

What is forgiveness? Define “forgive” – To give up all claim on account of; to cancel an indebtedness or liability of; – It does not mean forget or eliminate earthly consequences Forgiveness model – Old Testament: “Three strikes” (Amos 1:3-13) – New Testament: UNLIMITED (Matthew 18:21-35) Forgiveness is not a number, it’s an attitude Law is replaced by grace

Me = Servant 1 GOD = King $

Me = Servant 1 GOD = King $

Others = Servant 2 ME = Servant 1 $

Me = Servant 1 GOD = King $

Does Matthew 18:35 suggest that salvation is works-based? No, based on Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8, 1 John 1:9. The servant didn’t understand the grace he’d received. What is process for sin committed against us by unbelievers? Romans 12:17-21, 1 Peter 4:8, Hebrews 12:14-15, Ephesians 4:32 How do we know when to press on in patience versus moving on, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in both people separately? Ask: Do I need to learn grace? Does God want to teach grace through me? What is causing conflict: sin/personality differences? Is this a believer/Non-Believer? Have I done everything I am called to do? After Thoughts