Tag Archives: Conflict

SGL: Dealing with Conflict Between People

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As a home group leader you hope you will have a happy group of people, all growing fervently in their relationship with Jesus. And that is the case most of the time. However, there will be occasions when there is conflict with or between others. How do you keep the peace so things don’t blow up? Do you ignore it, laugh it off, or come down strong? Continue reading →

SGL: Dealing with Conflict

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Home group is a key discipleship opportunity for people to become believers and grow spiritually. Any time you have people, however, there may be conflict. Several articles have been written, which provide counsel on dealing with controlling talkers, tangents and rabbit trails, anger issues, politics and deep or difficult theological questions. Please refer to them for more ideas on how to handle those challenges. Continue reading →

Legalism Fights Against God

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Legalists try to do two things: 1) play god and 2) compete with God.  Matthew 15:1-9 is a clear example of Jesus dealing with legalistic Pharisees.  They had their toga wrapped up in a bunch around “the traditions of the elders,” while Jesus emphasized the Word of God.  Then we saw eight principles from Galatians how legalists foist themselves on grace-oriented believers.  Paul called a spade a spade and named names.  Legalists think they are trying to do something good, but they 1) play god and 2) compete with God.  Please review those principles below, because it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. 

·         He mixes human effort with grace    Gal. 1:6-9; 2:14; 6:13
·         He bullies others spiritually    Gal. 2:1-3; 4:29
·         He secretively spies out liberty    Gal. 2:4
·         He wants to look good before others    Gal. 2:11-16
·         He is in bondage to rules    Gal. 4:8-10, 25
·         He is antagonistic to believers living grace    Gal. 4:16; 5:10,12; 6:17
·         His motivation is for personal attention    Gal. 4:17; 6:13
·         He is critical and judgmental    Gal. 5:15  

We like what “we do” and if someone else doesn’t do “it,” we have a tendency to judge them through comparison.  Paul exhorts us to quit comparing ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12) and hence through self-righteousness, we can easily become legalistic.

I encouraged you to use the PAUSE method of approaching difficult relationships gained from the “Resolving Everyday Conflict” Peacemaker Series.  Here it is again:

P –  Prepare for the difficult conversation
A – Affirm relationships – the person and the problem situation
U – Understand interests – What motivates him/her
S –  Search for creative solutions
E –  Evaluate options objectively and reasonably

We approach Memorial Day weekend with joy to hear Dave Westin on Sunday as our newest supported missionary, but also heaviness as we remember our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price.  All of our service men and women gave some; some gave all.  I thank God for the blood that was shed on battlegrounds all over the world, so that I might have freedom to share the gospel to open hearts.  This is a three day weekend, not just to have an extra day for fun, but an extra day to consider, reflect and ultimately give thanks to God for the price that Jesus paid on the battleground called Golgotha.  His blood was shed for you.