"I believe empathy is overrated."

• "I believe empathy is overrated." • "In the 5 churches I have faithfully served over the

past 2 years . . ." • "My hobbies are pit bulls and automatic weapons." • "I am willing to sacrifice my family for the sake of

the ministry. I am also willing to sacrifice yours." • "I have learned to cope with financial crisis at every

church I’ve served."

• "My extensive counseling of church members has proved a rich source of pointed sermon illustrations."

• "I’ve been told that every sermon I preach is better than the next."

• "My personality has provided me ample opportunity to develop conflict-resolution skills."

• "My extensive counseling of church members has proved a rich source of pointed sermon illustrations."

• "I’ve been told that every sermon I preach is better than the next."

• "My personality has provided me ample opportunity to develop conflict-resolution skills."

Matthew 5:7-9 – Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (NASB)

James 4:1 – What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you? (NLT)

James 4:1 – Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. (MSG)

2a You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.

Dear Optimist, Pessimist and Realist:

While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it.

Signed, The Opportunist

2b Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, 5 doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6 doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 7 Puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. (MSG)

Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.

1 of 3 Responses to Conflicts1. Run from the Problem

– Peacekeepers2. Dig in Your Heels & Fight3. Face it Head on like an Eagle

– Peacemaker

3 Changes1. Change Your Thoughts1 Corinthians 13:7 – Puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.

3 Changes2. Change Your MouthPsalm 34:12-14 – Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? 13 Then keep your tongue speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! 14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (NLT)

3. Pray for the Situation

Personal Rails• I will listen 1st before I speak.James 1:19 – But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. (NASB)

• I will deal with my own issues 1st. Matthew 7:3 – Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (NASB)• I will speak gently and keep my voice down. Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (NLT)

Corporate Rails• Married: We will never mention the “D” word.• Other Relationships: We will never mention the “H”

word (hate).• We will not bring up old, unrelated issues from the past.• We will never fight in public or in front of the children.• We will call “timeout” if the argument reaches the

damaging level.

• We will never touch one another in a harmful way.

• We will never go to bed angry with each other.

Ephesians 4:26-27 – And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (NLT)

What to Do When You’ve Been Hurt

Matthew 18:15 – If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (NLT)

Galatians 6:1 – Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong. (TLB)

What to Do When You’ve Offended Someone ElseMatthew 5:23-24 – This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, 24 abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. (MSG)

Conclusion

• God is calling all Peacemakers to stand up and be counted!

• Are you willing?