So how can you fight without killing each other?
Here’s the outline below!
BETTER TOGETHER—Kung Fu Fighting
(Genesis 2:24) “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
(Psalm 133:1, 3) “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity…It is as if the dew were falling on Mt. Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
–>We are fighting the wrong enemy.
–>We are driven by wrong motives.
–>We are using wrong tactics.
FIGHTING Better Together
(James 1:19-20) “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
- Stop and listen carefully.
- “…quick to listen”
(Proverbs 18:2 NLT) “Fools have no interest in understanding: they only want to air their own opinions.”
- Guard my words vigilantly.
- “…slow to speak”
(Proverbs 21:23 NLT) “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
- Manage my anger righteously.
- “…slow to become angry”
(Ephesians 4:26-27) “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
BOTTOM LINE: In times of conflict, I will fight for unity, not for personal victory.
GREAT BOOKS ON CONFLICT
Chapman, Gary. Everybody Wins: The Chapman Guide to Solving Conflicts Without Arguing.
Farrel, Bill & Pam. Love, Honor and Forgive.
Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Conflict.
Sande, Ken. Peacemaking for Families.