Marriage and Family

1
Marriage and Family

• Peacemakers
• Matt 59

2
Matt 59
Rom 1218
"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.
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
• Scapegoats

4
Controlling Conflict

• An exampleEuodia and Syntyche

Phi 42-3 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 exampleEuodia and Syntyche

• Imagine how it would spread left untreated.
• Groups meeting in corners talking about it.
• Every conversation turning to the conflict
• Any disagreement is attached to the larger
  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 Lords reputation is harmed.
• The churchs work is hamperedJohn 1720-21 I
  Cor 61-8.

7
John 1720-21
"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
Two Sure Things About Conflict

• Personal conflicts cost us more than they are
  worth.
• Both parties will blame the other Mt 71-5.
• 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?

9
A Pattern for Dealing with Conflict
Col 312-15 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.
10
A Pattern for Dealing with Conflict

• Be compassionate.
• Be kind.
• Be humble.
• Be meek. Phil 23-5
• Be patient. Prov 1911 1714 151
• Show love in everything.
• Trust God. Isa 263

11
Be a peacemaker where ever you are.

• Be at peace where ever you are.

12
(No Transcript)