Four Decisions That Bring Peace to My Relationships

4 Decisions That Bring Peace to My Relationships

Sometimes we think relationships must have been easier. W.C. fields said, “The more I know people, the more I love my dogs.” He was born in 1880. Relationships were tough back then. James wrote his letter is about 62ad. That was 1961 years ago… and know what, people found relationships hard back then, too.

James 3:13

• Wisdom is not piffy proverb, in the Bible wisdom is doing life God’s way.
• Proverbs said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.
• James 3:17 sounds like it should be in the Bible (and it is!) Only, it also feels a little impossible. In fact, it is so lofty that it feels uncomfortable. It’s can read so spiritual that it seems unrealistic.

What breaks our relationships? (James 3:14)

• The feeling that other don’t deserve what they have. In fact, you think, “If I had what you have, I could do better with it.”
• Looking at relationships only from the perspective of what we get.
• The lie we tell ourselves and others that our relationship problems are solely the fault of others.

A Believers three enemies: (James 3:15)

• The , “Earthly”
• The , “unspiritual” (lit: Sensual)
• The , “Demonic.” (Lit: Demon-Like)

Result wrong perspective = (James 3:16)

Four Decisions that Bring Peace to my Relationships:

1. I will think of your needs (James 3:13)

• Meekness is not valued today. We may be tempted to think it was more valued in ancient times. Meekness wasn’t valued in Roman culture! Nor was it overly valued in Jewish culture.
• Meekness is well defined as “strength under control.”
• Meekness has to be applied with “wisdom.” You think about another persons needs, not just cave in to their wants.
• Meekness doesn’t look cool until you see it on Jesus. He was strength under control.

2. I will disciple (James 3:17)

• The decision not to lash out.
• The longer the disciples were with Jesus, the more they brought they emotions into submission to him.

3. I will forgive (James 3:17)

• Micah 6:8, God “requires” us to “love” mercy. Love it! Isn’t that an interesting requirement? Not to just give mercy, to love the opportunity.
• In family and relationships, forgiveness is one of the biggest issues you will deal with.
• James 3:17, “good fruits.” When we forgive someone, we have to treat them like they are forgiven. We don’t hold a grudge.

4. I’m going to help others (James 3:18)

• Matthew 5:9
• We want to sow discord, or to stir each other up. Instead we are commanded to help others restore their relationships, not cause deeper brokenness.
• The seeds of peace making is righteousness. It doesn’t feel that way when you’re planting them.
• 2 Samuel 14:13-14, the peacemaker sought to restore Absalom to David.

Encouragement = 

• The steps to healthy relationships don’t make sense in the flesh. They require faith.
• Most people know right steps to take, but turn from Godly wisdom which is difficult to human advice.