Philippians: Unity Among Believers

Phil 4:2-3
Everywhere we go in life, we will have to deal with conflict. Conflict - a difference in opinion or purpose that frustrates someone's goals or desires.
- Conflict avoiders (peace fakers)
- Conflict aggressors (peace breakers)
- Conflict agitators (peace manipulators) Prov 26:20-22
- Peacemakers - seek to resolve their differences and restore their relationships. Mt 5:9; Jas 3:18
1. Glorify God. Ask: How can I please and honor God in this situation? 1 Cor 10:31
2. Get the log out of your own eye. Ask: How can I show Jesus' work in me by taking responsibility for my contribution to this conflict? Mt 7:5
3. Go and be reconciled. Ask: How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution? Mt 5:24; 18:15-17.
- Pray (a lot)!
- Quit placing unrealistic expectations on people. People can only offend you if you allow them to offend you.
- Seek God's wisdom (through prayer and His Word).
- Seek wise counsel.
- Don't let people fool you or play on your emotions. Prov 18:17. Your input should always exceed your output.
- Pray some more!
1 Pet 2:12 "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."