Help Me Understand – How to Fight Fair

Pastor Bryan – HELP ME UNDERSTAND .

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)

“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

II Corinthians 13:11

All relationships have .

Great relationships have .

BIG IDEA: “Conflict is unavoidable—but with the Spirit, it can make us , not .”

THE TRUTH ABOUT CONFLICT

• It’s the condition of our heart.

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?”

James 4:1

• It’s needed for our development.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Proverbs 27:17

• How we handle it our of relationship with God.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Matthew 5:9

THE SPIRIT FILLED REMEDY FOR HEALTHY CONFLICT

1. Listen before .

“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”

Proverbs 18:13

        2. Be with your words.

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

Proverbs 12:18

        3. Own you can.

“Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.”

Proverbs 18:15

        4. Fight for not .

“Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.”

Proverbs 20:3

        5. include God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. ⁶ Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

FINAL THOUGHT

“Spirit-filled followers of Jesus don’t conflict—they it.”

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

Ephesians 4:15