1. Marriage and Family Peacemakers Matt 5:9

2. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Rom 12:18

3. The Need for Peace Conflict in the world Conflict on the streets Conflict in the church Conflict in personal relationships Conflict results in anger Righteous anger is rare Striking back Tears Silence Picky criticism Displaced anger

4. Controlling Conflict An example—Euodia and Syntyche Phi 4:2-3 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. (3) Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

5. Controlling Conflict An example—Euodia and Syntyche Imagine how it would spread left untreated. Groups meeting in corners talking about it. Every conversation turning to the conflict Any disagreement becomes attached to the conflict. Pressure builds to dangerous levels. So Paul pleads with these women evenhandedly. He pleads with the loyal ‘yokefellow’ to intervene.

6. Conflict is Costly More costly than who is right or wrong Personal peace is lost. Relationships are destroyed. The Lord’s reputation is harmed. The church’s work is hampered—John 17:20-21; I Cor 6:1-8.

7. John 17:20-21 "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; (21) that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

8. I Cor 6:1-8 Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? (2) Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? (3) Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? (4) So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? (5) I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, (6) but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? (7) Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? (8) On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.

9. Two Sure Things About Conflict Personal conflicts cost us more than they are worth. Both parties will blame the other Mt 7:1-5. What is our role when we are involved in conflict? Ask what did I do to cause this? What can I do to remedy it?

10. A Pattern for Dealing with Conflict Col 3:12-15 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (14) Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

11. Be compassionate. Preoccupation Hurry Prejudice A Pattern for Dealing with Conflict

12. Be humble. Be meek. Phil 2:3-5 Be patient. Prov 19:11; 17:14; 15:1 Show love in everything. Trust God. Isa 26:3 A Pattern for Dealing with Conflict Be compassionate. Be kind.

13. Be a peacemaker where ever you are. Be at peace where ever you are.