Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Conflict”
Our Bible verse for today: “Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Satan’s strategies can be defeated”
Yesterday we learned about the true nature of Satan and how he lies, deceives, manipulates, and entices Christians to voluntarily do the things that he does not have the power to force us to do – including engaging in conflict. Today I want to share with you some intentional steps we can each take to thwart Satan’s activity among us as he attempts to create conflict in our midst. These come from the book, “The Christian’s Handbook on Conflict Resolution” by Greg Sumii.
1. Speak the truth about the situation, but do it in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
2. Provide correction where correction is needed, but do so with gentleness. (2 Timothy 2:25)
3. If confrontation is needed, do it privately. (Matthew 18:15)
4. Truly seek reconciliation as the desired outcome. (Matthew 5:23-24)
5. Show love and pray for the one you are in conflict with. (Matthew 5:44)
6. Bear with the shortcomings of the other person and be prepared to forgive them. (Colossians 3:13)
7. Entrust yourself to God, who is the perfect and righteous Judge. (1 Peter 2:21-23)
8. Intentionally put aside your negative emotions. (Ephesians 4:31)
9. Be a servant. (1 Kings 12:7)
10. Even if you can’t do these things for the sake of the other person, do them anyway for the cause of Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
I think you can probably see that if the Christians on both sides of a conflict take these steps, there’s no way Satan can win. Tomorrow we will take a look at some spiritual assets we have which empower us to do the things we have just discussed.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 