PROPOSITION: We must learn to grow through our strife.
INTRODUCTION:
- We are individuals. We will disagree with each other.
- Work, church, home, or marriage – everywhere.
- We must learn how to disagree – not prevent disagreements.
Welcome the disagreement.
- This is an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Learn from this and you will not make the BIG mistake.
Distrust your first instinct.
- Our 1st instinct = Defenseive – normal reaction.
- Cat in a corner – stick out the claws, hiss, show teeth
- James 1:19 – Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger
Control your temper
- You can measure a man by what makes him angry.
- Proverbs 14:17 and 29
Listen first.
- Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath.
- Build bridges, not barriers.
- Let him finish – "Give him enough rope to hang himself."
Look for areas of agreement.
- Jesus – letters to churches – Revelation 2, 3 – Find what is right.
Be honest.
- Apologize for your mistakes.
- Colossians 3:12-14 – Bear and forebear
- Endure = Bear; Let go, ignore = forebear
- Remember – You are no bargain to life with either.
Promise to think over and carefully study his ideas.
- Think, examine openly and honestly his ideas.
- They might have some merit.
- If not – you will have clear reasons to discuss.
Thank him for his interest.
- It took courage to disagree with you.
- This shows that he cares deeply about the matter.
Postpone action and pray.
- Pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
- Be open to room for both to be right.