Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Everything NOW!
DR. JAMES MACDONALD
))))) )))))))))))))))))))))))
Always Resolve
Everything NOW!!
Dr. James MacDonald
5
Resolving Conflict
in Gods Family
You know its going to happenconflict is just part
of life. So what do you do when there is a specific
conflict with two believers in Christ Jesus?
As we go forward in Gods Word, I want you to
bring to mind the name and the face of a person
with whom you have unresolved conflict. Maybe
its somebody you used to work with who undercut
you in the market place, or said something negative
that injured your reputation. Maybe its a family
member. Maybe its one of your parents and youre
dreading the next family holiday. There have been
some words said that shouldnt have been said or
things arent the way theyre supposed to be. Maybe
its with one of your children or maybe youll eat
dinner across the table from that person tonight.
Before we go any further, pray right now that God
would make you willing to receive His Word as
it relates to reconciling with this person. Tell Him
that youre willing to act in obedience in action and
((( (((
8
Five Biblical Steps to
Conflict Resolution
Lets break it down now to five key application points
to help us know how to resolve everything now!
#4 PRIVATE AT FIRST
Its got to be private at first. Why? because the
text says, Go and tell him his fault between you
((( (((
((( (((
17
The Key to Reconciliation
Heres the key in all of this. Were not human
do-gooders here. We are the followers of Jesus Christ.
Two thousand years ago God sent His Son into this
world to die on a cross to pay the penalty for your
sins and mine so that we might be forgiven. Even
after we come to the cross we do things that are not
pleasing to God. But the key in reconciliation with
God is repentance and faith.
So, always resolve everything now! The real healing,
blessing, and joy only comes to those who do what
Gods Word says. Determine this moment that you
will obey God in this very personal matter of resolving
conflict. Make that phone call today. Write a letter
this week. Make an appointment with someone who
needs to hear you say, Im so sorry for what I said
and did. Please forgive me. Might these words echo
through our homestender-heartedness,
kindness, forgiving one another, even as God
in Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32).
19
WHO?
Who do you need . . . to forgive?
. . . to reach out to in love and acceptance?
. . . to ask forgiveness from?
. . . to call, write, email, or visit in order to make
things right between you?
WHAT?
What do you need to do today?
Let someone off the hook?They didnt sin, they
just didnt act according to my personal preference.
Let something someone said roll off your back?
Roll off on the Lord something that happened and
in faith anticipate His resolve and peace?
Get the facts right about an offense against you?
((( (((
20 Forgive someone?
WHERE?
Where are you today in terms of these three verses:
Romans 12:18, If possible, so far as it depends
on you, be at peace with all men.
In your Bible, circle the words, so far as it depends
on you. Ponder them in your heart, too.
Ephesians 4:31, Let all bitterness and wrath
and anger and clamor and slander be put
away from you.
Bitterness means long-standing resentments,
grudges that are nursed, wounds and injuries that are
remembered in vivid detail. Got anything you need
to forget?
John 1:14: Are you a model of grace and truth?
Be a grace person.
Remember your ultimate goal is to bring restoration
to your relationship, not to make them squirm.
People may need time. Mercy and patience gives
them a place to land.
Be a truth person.
If you are a follower of Christ, tell the truth.
If youre a counselor, advise the truth.
If youre a listener, welcome the truth.
((( (((
HOW?
How has unresolved conflict changed your
relationships? Do you avoid some people or have
you built walls to keep out some relationships?
How do you want to respond the next time a
conflict surfaces in your life? (Like, maybe today?)
How are you going to change based on the truth
from Gods Word that youve just read?
WHEN?!
Youre right! The title of this booklet answers
that question.
22
Other Resources from
Walk in the Word
on Resolving Conflict
How to Change Your Husband
How to Change You Wife
Succeeding in Marriage from the series,
Transforming Your Family by Faith
Forgiveness from the series, Seven Words to
Change Your Family . . . While Theres Still Time.
The Worlds Worst Prison from the series,
The Teachings of Jesus
And of course, the entire series, Always Resolve
Everything . . . Now!
Avoid it. Ignore it. Delay it. Sweep it under the carpet. Flip the
pages of the calendar and hope it'll go away. But it won't.
Conflict between family members, coworkers, neighbors, even
brothers and sisters in the body of Christ robs us of peace, distorts
our perspective and builds a barrier between us and God.
Hear this: God is all about resolving relational conflict. He wants
the wall to come down. In fact, His Word details specific
ways you can begin to resolve conflicts in your relationships . . .
today! Download His truth into your life and get started
resolving conflict . . . now.
)))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))
P.O. Box 764, Arlington Heights, IL 60006-0764
1.888.581.WORD www.WalkintheWord.com