It's easy to live in peace with the people who like and agree with you—but what about those who oppose you at every turn? Dr. Stanley shares that there is hope for believers to live peaceably, even with those who have wronged us. God not only calls us to seek peace and pursue it (see Psalm 34:14), but He also enables us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sermon Outline
Loving others is both a privilege and a responsibility, but that doesn’t mean it won’t involve challenges. In today’s sermon, Dr. Stanley offers clear and practical advice for handling problematic relationships.
Key Passage: Romans 12:17-21
Supporting Passages: Mark 9:50; John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13
The Bible says we should live at peace with everyone “if possible.” However, that’s sometimes easier said than done.
► “We live in a world where everyone has been corrupted by a sinful nature. We’re in conflict with God, ourselves, and other people.”
Conflict with someone …
Makes the environment stressful and difficult.
Is a result of allowing human habits to take over.
Can happen at any time, even to believers.
Is linked to a root cause that should be uncovered.
When conflict arises, we’re responsible for doing our part to resolve it. We must …
1. Assess how much we value the relationship.
Decide whether or not we can and should be in relationship with the other person.
If the answer is “yes,” we must do whatever’s necessary to maintain it.
2. Start talking and learn to listen.
We must be willing to keep the conversation going—and to listen well.
3. Be honest and transparent.
It’s important that we always be willing to admit when we may be at fault.
4. Work toward finding the root cause.
We must get past surface issues to the root, which may lie in childhood. This might require a godly counselor.
5. Be willing to work at overcoming problems.
We can’t expect an immediate fix. Evaluating things together takes time.
It’s essential that we learn to both give love and accept love.
► “The Holy Spirit enables you to look beyond a person’s actions and see him as a person.”
How far must we go to resolve a conflict?
If it depends on us, we should go as far as possible (Rom. 12:18). However, this will never require us to violate Scripture.
Even after doing all we can, we must accept that the other person may still walk away.
When peace seems impossible …
Ask for the Lord’s guidance.
Seek godly counsel.
Evaluate advice according to the Word of God.
Cultivate the right attitude by learning to demonstrate …
A pure heart (Mark 9:50).
Love (John 13:34-35).
Patience (Col. 3:12-13).
Forgiveness (Eph. 4:32).
After Watching
Think about a relationship you’d like to improve. Evaluate yourself honestly to see if there are any changes you need to make in order for that to happen.
The Holy Spirit will always help you resolve conflicts with grace and good will. Pray and ask to be filled with His presence, especially in times of conflict.
