Restoring Harmony in the Home

{Sermon by Dr.Jim Chatham on May 14, 2000 at First Baptist Church Dickson}

Mark 3:25 (NIV) If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

James 4:1-2 (NIV) What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.

Conflicts in the home

Monetary Concerns
Expressions of sexuality
Childrens Discipline
Communication
In-laws

I. Reason for Conflict (James 4:1-2)

gender
heritage
sexuality
everybody is unique

II. The Reactions to Conflict

My way
No way
Your way
Half way
Our Way - the way of choice. Compromise

III. Resolution to Conflict

Commit life to Christ

Ephesians 2:16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

Pray deligently about Conflict

James 4:2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.

Honestly analyze the problem

Matthew 7:3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Schedule a peace conference

Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Practical Suggestions

Right Time

Proper Place

Pray prior to conference

Establish ground rules before conference

Proverbs 11:29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Rules

Never Compare

Never Condem

Never Command

Never Challenge

Never Condensend

Never Contradict

Never Confuse

Change your Focus

Philipians 2:4,5 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

Don't be afraid to seek appropriate outside help

Proverbs 15:12 A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

Refuse to give up

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

The three stages of conflict

1 Recognition

2 Reaction time

3 Resolution

If you need family counseling or help please talk to your local minister or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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