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TITLE: When We Disagree

TEXT: Colossians 3:12-14

PROPOSITION: We must learn to grow through our strife.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Responses

SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

  1. We are individuals. We will disagree with each other.
  2. Work, church, home, or marriage – everywhere.
  3. We must learn how to disagree – not prevent disagreements.

Welcome the disagreement.

  1. This is an opportunity to learn and grow.
  2. Learn from this and you will not make the BIG mistake.

Distrust your first instinct.

  1. Our 1st instinct = Defenseive – normal reaction.
  2. Cat in a corner – stick out the claws, hiss, show teeth
  3. James 1:19 – Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger

Control your temper

  1. You can measure a man by what makes him angry.
  2. Proverbs 14:17 and 29

Listen first.

  1. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath.
  2. Build bridges, not barriers.
  3. Let him finish – "Give him enough rope to hang himself."

Look for areas of agreement.

  1. Jesus – letters to churches – Revelation 2, 3 – Find what is right.

Be honest.

  1. Apologize for your mistakes.
  2. Colossians 3:12-14 – Bear and forebear
  3. Endure = Bear; Let go, ignore = forebear
  4. Remember – You are no bargain to life with either.

Promise to think over and carefully study his ideas.

  1. Think, examine openly and honestly his ideas.
  2. They might have some merit.
  3. If not – you will have clear reasons to discuss.

Thank him for his interest.

  1. It took courage to disagree with you.
  2. This shows that he cares deeply about the matter.

Postpone action and pray.

  1. Pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
  2. Be open to room for both to be right.


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