Peacemaking: Transforming Conflict Through the Gospel

In our lives as followers of Christ, we are called to navigate the complexities of human relationships with grace and wisdom. Conflict is an inevitable part of our existence, but it is not an insurmountable obstacle. It is a normal part of life, yet it is also a prime arena for the practical application of the gospel. The essence of peacemaking is not merely about avoiding conflict or winning arguments; it is about applying the gospel and God's principles for problem-solving to our everyday interactions.

Understanding the anatomy of conflict is crucial. Conflicts often arise from differences in what we think, want, or do. These differences can be sparked by diversity, difficulty in understanding, or selfish desires. The gasoline that fuels these sparks is our own passions and desires at war within us. We must recognize that our sinful nature cooperates with any message that implies we can have whatever we want. The fire ignites when we fail to respond properly to these sparks and allow our sinful nature to drive our thoughts and words.

The gospel, however, provides us with the power to live a new life in Christ. It is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe, enabling us to extend love, mercy, and forgiveness to others as we have received from God. This transformative power of the gospel is not limited to our conversion and our eventual glorification; it is meant to change us in the here and now, in the midst of our daily lives and conflicts.

As peacemakers, we see conflict as an opportunity to solve problems in a way that honors God and benefits everyone involved. Handled well, conflict can be fuel for intimacy, especially in marriage, where resolving disagreements can strengthen the bond between spouses. We are equipped with the Four G's of peacemaking: glorify God, get the log out of our own eye, gently restore, and go and be reconciled. These principles guide us in responding to conflict in a way that reflects our identity in Christ and our mission to glorify God in all things.

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Reading

James 4:1-2 (ESV) — > "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel."

2. Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV)
> "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

3. Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
> "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

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Observation Questions

1. According to James 4:1-2, what are the internal causes of quarrels and fights among people?
2. In Matthew 7:3-5, what does Jesus instruct us to do before addressing the faults of others?
3. How does Ephesians 4:32 describe the way we should treat one another, and what is the basis for this behavior?
4. What are the "Four G's of peacemaking" mentioned in the sermon, and how do they guide us in resolving conflicts? [51:20]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does James emphasize that our passions and desires are the root causes of conflicts? How does this understanding help in addressing conflicts? [30:34]
2. How does the instruction in Matthew 7:3-5 to "get the log out of your own eye" before helping others apply to our daily interactions and conflicts? [51:53]
3. In what ways does Ephesians 4:32 connect our ability to forgive others with our experience of God's forgiveness? How does this shape our approach to peacemaking? [40:34]
4. The sermon mentions that conflict can be an opportunity for gospel application. How can seeing conflict in this way change our perspective and actions during disagreements? [17:34]

Application Questions

1. Reflect on a recent conflict you experienced. How did your passions and desires contribute to the escalation of the conflict? What could you have done differently to de-escalate the situation? [30:34]
2. Think of a time when you were quick to point out someone else's fault without considering your own. How can you practice "getting the log out of your own eye" in future interactions? [51:53]
3. How can you actively apply Ephesians 4:32 in your relationships this week? Identify a specific person you need to extend kindness, tenderheartedness, or forgiveness to, and plan a concrete action to demonstrate this. [40:34]
4. The sermon suggests that resolving conflict can deepen relationships. Can you recall a time when resolving a disagreement led to a stronger bond with someone? How can you use this experience to approach future conflicts with a mindset of reconciliation? [45:33]
5. The "Four G's of peacemaking" provide a framework for addressing conflicts. Choose one of the Four G's (glorify God, get the log out of your own eye, gently restore, go and be reconciled) and describe a specific situation where you can apply it this week. [51:20]
6. How does your identity in Christ as a loved, forgiven, and reconciled child of God empower you to pursue peace in your relationships? Reflect on a current conflict and consider how this identity can shape your response. [43:38]
7. The sermon mentions that peacemaking is an active process. What steps can you take to engage in peacemaking actively rather than avoiding conflict or attacking others? Identify a specific conflict where you can practice active peacemaking this week. [50:45]