Peacemaking: Transforming Conflict Through the Gospel
Summary
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:
- Conflict is an opportunity for gospel application. When we encounter disagreements, we must see them as chances to apply the transformative power of the gospel to our relationships. This perspective shifts our focus from winning arguments to fostering reconciliation and peace, reflecting the peace we have with God through Christ. [17:34]
- The root of conflict lies within us. Our sinful desires and passions are the gasoline that fuels conflict. Acknowledging this internal struggle is the first step toward peacemaking. Only by recognizing our own propensity to sin can we begin to seek the change of heart that the gospel promises. [33:14]
- Peacemaking is an active process. It involves more than avoiding conflict; it requires us to engage with others in a way that seeks their good and the glory of God. The Four G's of peacemaking provide a biblical framework for addressing and resolving conflicts in a manner that promotes healing and growth. [50:45]
- Resolving conflict can deepen relationships. When we navigate disagreements with grace and truth, we create opportunities for greater intimacy and understanding. Each resolved conflict can strengthen the bonds between individuals, whether in marriage, friendships, or church community. [45:33]
- Our identity in Christ empowers our peacemaking. As loved, forgiven, and reconciled children of God, we are called to love, forgive, and reconcile with others. This identity shapes our responses to conflict and drives us to pursue peace as a reflection of the peace we have received. [43:38]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
#### 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]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Conflict as Gospel Opportunity
Conflict is not a barrier but a bridge to grace and growth. [17:34]
When disagreements arise, it's easy to view them as hindrances to harmony. However, these moments are ripe with potential for demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. By approaching conflict with a heart shaped by the gospel, we can turn arguments into opportunities for reconciliation and peace. This shift in perspective allows us to reflect the peace we have with God through Christ in our interactions with others. It's not about proving ourselves right but about seeking unity and understanding through the lens of Christ's love and forgiveness.
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." - Romans 14:19
Reflection: Consider a recent conflict you've experienced. How can you approach this situation with a gospel-centered mindset to seek reconciliation and peace?
Day 2: Acknowledging Our Role in Conflict
Our inner desires fuel the fires of discord. [33:14]
The root of many conflicts lies within our own hearts, driven by sinful desires and passions. Recognizing this internal struggle is essential for peacemaking. It's not just about the external differences but about the internal war that rages within us. By acknowledging our propensity to sin, we can begin to seek the transformative change that the gospel offers. This self-awareness leads to humility and the ability to approach conflicts with a spirit of repentance and a desire for God's will to prevail over our own.
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16
Reflection: What desires or passions within you might be contributing to conflicts in your life? How can you submit these areas to God's transforming power?
Day 3: The Active Pursuit of Peace
Peacemaking requires intentional, godly action. [50:45]
Peacemaking is not a passive avoidance of conflict but an active engagement in seeking resolution that glorifies God and benefits all parties involved. The Four G's of peacemaking—glorify God, get the log out of our own eye, gently restore, and go and be reconciled—provide a biblical framework for addressing conflicts. This approach promotes healing, growth, and reflects our mission to glorify God in all things. By actively pursuing peace, we become instruments of God's grace in a world that desperately needs it.
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." - Romans 12:18
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to actively pursue peace in a relationship where there is tension or conflict?
Day 4: Conflict as a Catalyst for Intimacy
Resolved disagreements can strengthen relationships. [45:33]
Handled with grace and truth, conflict can serve as a catalyst for deeper intimacy and understanding in our relationships. Rather than driving us apart, resolving disagreements can strengthen the bonds between us. This is especially true in marriage, where working through conflicts can lead to a more robust and loving union. Each conflict resolved in the spirit of Christ's love is an opportunity to grow closer to one another and to God.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13
Reflection: Think of a relationship that has been strained by conflict. How can you initiate a conversation to resolve the issue and potentially deepen your connection with that person?
Day 5: Our Identity in Christ Guides Our Peacemaking
We are called to reflect our reconciliation with God. [43:38]
As children of God, loved, forgiven, and reconciled through Christ, our identity should shape how we respond to conflict. We are called to extend the same love, forgiveness, and reconciliation we have received to others. This identity empowers us to pursue peace, not as a burdensome duty, but as a natural expression of the grace we've been given. When we embody our identity in Christ, our efforts to make peace become a reflection of the ultimate peace we have with God.
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." - Colossians 3:12
Reflection: How does your identity in Christ influence your approach to conflict? In what ways can you better reflect Christ's love and reconciliation in your interactions today?
Quotes
- "Conflict is a normal part of life, yet it is also a prime arena for the practical application of the gospel." [17:34](Download)
- "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." [18:11](Download)
- "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." [35:38](Download)
- "The gospel provides us with the power to live a new life in Christ, enabling us to extend love, mercy, and forgiveness to others as we have received from God." [41:10](Download)
- "As peacemakers, we see conflict as an opportunity to solve problems in a way that honors God and benefits everyone involved." [44:15](Download)
- "Handled well, conflict can be fuel for intimacy, especially in marriage, where resolving disagreements can strengthen the bond between spouses." [44:57](Download)
- "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." [53:41](Download)
- "Our identity in Christ empowers our peacemaking. As loved, forgiven, and reconciled children of God, we are called to love, forgive, and reconcile with others." [43:38](Download)
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