1. PREPARED FOR:

2. Repairing Rifts for Resolution and Return to Righteousness Genesis 45:1-5, 13-15

3. INTRODUCTION Conflicts frequently arise within families. Sometimes these difficulties can be avoided; other times they are unavoidable. Regardless, when tensions arise, action must be taken to keep the family from becoming fragmented. Obviously not every instance of conflict is the same. Circumstances dictate the action that should and or must be taken. Our lesson for this occasion finds us considering through observation the Biblical example to be imitated as we learn from the man Joseph realization of repairing rifts can be realized through his example. There are four areas of noteworthy concentration that are suggested for this strategic success: 1. At odds with what occurred 2. Defusing differences 3. Letting the past go to embrace the future 4. In retrospect it was providential!

4. 1. Prevention prevents needed repair A. Desire it… (Genesis 13:8) A. Desire it… (Genesis 13:8) B. Require it… (Hebrews 12:14-15) B. Require it… (Hebrews 12:14-15) C. Do it… (Romans 12:17-18) C. Do it… (Romans 12:17-18)

5. 2. At odds with what occurred A. Sometimes the struggle is in what was! A. Sometimes the struggle is in what was! (See Genesis 37:23-28) (See Genesis 37:23-28) 1. Joseph did not return evil for evil! 1. Joseph did not return evil for evil! (Remind all of Romans 12:17) (Remind all of Romans 12:17) 2. Never let our motivation be wrong for what 2. Never let our motivation be wrong for what we do (See Philippians 2:3-5) we do (See Philippians 2:3-5) 3. Put away so we can put on… 3. Put away so we can put on… (See Ephesians 4:32) (See Ephesians 4:32)

6. 3. Defusing differences A. Forgiving failure by releasing the past and A. Forgiving failure by releasing the past and appreciating the present (See Genesis 45:5) appreciating the present (See Genesis 45:5) 1. So often what men mean for evil God uses 1. So often what men mean for evil God uses for good! (See Genesis 50:20) for good! (See Genesis 50:20) a. What they do doesn’t have to be what a. What they do doesn’t have to be what God wants! (Romans 8:28, 31) God wants! (Romans 8:28, 31) B. Do not keep records of wrong! B. Do not keep records of wrong! (Consider / apply Philippians 3:13) (Consider / apply Philippians 3:13)

7. . In retrospect it was providential! 4. In retrospect it was providential! A. I thought it was wrong but now I know it A. I thought it was wrong but now I know it was for right! (Genesis 45:5) was for right! (Genesis 45:5) B. The want to be together! (Genesis 45:13, B. The want to be together! (Genesis 45:13, 14-15 [Joseph wanted his dad], Acts 2:42-47) 14-15 [Joseph wanted his dad], Acts 2:42-47) 1. It is not possible for conflicts to be 1. It is not possible for conflicts to be resolved if folk don’t want to be around resolved if folk don’t want to be around each other! each other!