This part 2 episode of our Peacemakers Series digs into the complicated topic of conflict resolution. Annie Silipo is covering this crucial aspect of our lives as human beings- the pursuit of peace in the midst of conflict. This episode helps us see conflict as a great opportunity to glorify God instead of a hassle to avoid. When we have this biblical perspective the outcome will be peace with God, ourselves and others.
About the Speaker:
Annie was born in Havana Cuba. Her family immigrated to Miami, Florida in the early 60’s. She attended the University of Florida where she obtained her Animal Science degree and more importantly became a disciple of Jesus. Shortly after graduation she moved to Boston to train for the full time ministry. While in Boston she met her husband Joe and they were married in 1986. Her and Joe have three wonderful children- Lynda, Joseph and Sammy. They have had the pleasure of serving in the full time ministry in several different churches including as missionaries in Milan, Italy. They are very grateful to currently be serving in the San Diego Church of Christ.
Episode Notes: Conflict Resolution Class 2
Matt 7:5 Take responsibility first before pointing the finger. Look at your own heart first.
-Humility breeds humility. We can’t see the situation clearly without clear eyes.
In this position of looking at your own heart first, it is possible to have one of two types of faults:
1. Overly sensitive/easily bothered
2. Contribution through your own sinful behavior.
We can learn to overlook minor offenses: Prov 19:11, 17:14, 1 Peter 4:8 Eph 4:2, Col 3:13
-When we overlook offenses we imitate God’s extraordinary forgiveness towards us. do not overlook if it is a hurtful pattern in that person's life.
How to overlook? Phil 4:4-9
1. Rejoice..joyfully god centered, grateful
2. Gentleness, forbearing, large hearted, considerate, lenient, moderate, etc
3.Rid of anxious thoughts replace these with prayer and petition w/thanks to become confident and trusting
4.Shift your focus to the positive. ..Prov 11:27: if look for bad, you will find it!
Avoid unnecessary conflict...
Think through: is it worth it? What is the cost? does it really matter? pick your battles!
-Being heard and validated cannot be the only goals in conflict resolution.
1 Cor 10:23-24 is it permissible for me to defend myself?Yes...but a better question, is it beneficial?
1 Cor 10:31-11:1
Conflict begins in the heart
James 4:1-3 reasons for conflict with others:
1. Do not ask God, trust God, give way to fear
2. Wrong motives, desires or comfort… where are we looking for fulfillment?
Desires can become demand, or something we deserve in order to be happy or fulfilled or be ok with that person.
Luke 12:29-31- Idolatrous demands usually leads us to judging others..when people fail to live up to our expectations or fail to satisfy us we criticize, condemn them in our hearts even words.
James 3:13-4:1-3, 7-12 - There is a time to judge rightly
Matt 7:1-5, but we cross the line when we sinfully judge..describe..superiority, condemnation, speculation of motives, resentment, bitterness. In this kind of judgement we are playing God..it is an absence of love and concern for the other person.
Exodus 20:2-3 must struggle through these things to get rid of our idols or they will take us away from God and the people we love the most.
Confession is the cure
James 5:16, Prov. 28:13 the greatest
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