How to Love your neighbour as yourself CONFLICT

‘How to. . . . ’ Love your neighbour as yourself

CONFLICT

Communication + Consequences “A gentle answer turns away wrath” Prov 15: 1 “A hot tempered man stirs up dissension but a patient man calms a quarrel” Prov 15: 18 “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply. . how good is a timely word” Prov 15: 23 “The wise in heart are called discerning and pleasant words promote instruction”lt Prov 16: 21

Over-react or obstinate “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers” Prov 15: 28

Negative comments or negotiation “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” Matt 5: 9

Forgiveness and Forgetting “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins. ”

LOVE and listening • “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as yourself”.

Insecurity and inside feelings

Calmness and Control Fruit of the Spirit – self-control “The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature” Gal 5: 22

Truce or Triumph Seek peace and pursue it !

Twins – jostled with each other Gen 25: 22

Jacob – quiet man Esau – skilful hunter

The blessing of the first born

Revelation of God’s presence: If. . . you will be MY God!

Jacob – family and livestock Was deceived himself – experienced what that felt like

Extensive prep to meet his brother Fear + distress

Re-union Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around him, kissed him and. . . WEPT! Both ready to make peace Both had been provided for by God at work to fulfil HIS purposes

Anger/ Frustration In your anger do not sin

“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel” Phil 1: 27 Unity of the spirit in the bond of peace Eph 4: 3

Qualities • Patience – bear with each other • Humility v Pride • The perspective of another – work at understanding /Marriages • Mercy – God’s unending mercy receive and give. Allow some leeway. . . . . Peace – keep peace in your own life. STOP! Repair.

So. . . • Little disputes can grow/ escalate into huge wars • Work at being Peacemakers in family, work, church • Speak truthfully – NOT brutally!! • Live at peace with everyone Rom 12: 18. . . . . . . Please Lord give us your power to do this