Pursuing Peace In Conflict

1 Peter 3:8-12

Why pursue peace?I. It impacts relationship with Lord.

“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”

- Matthew 5:23-24

Why pursue peace?I. It impacts relationship with Lord.II. It impacts relationship with others.

What is peace?I. Unity of mind, heart, will …II. … Within relationships

How to preserve peace?

I. Abandon equality.“If there is injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand …” - Exodus 21:23-25

How to preserve peace?

I. Abandon equality.II. Provide blessing.

“Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse … Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.”

- Romans 12:14, 17

Why provide blessing Instead?

I. Relationship takes priority.A. So take initiative to restore!

1. Silence is not initiated restoration2. Winning argument is not

restorative“You can be strategically (or factually) right, but relationally wrong.”

Why provide blessing Instead?

I. Relationship takes priority.A. So take initiative to restore!

1. Silence is not initiated restoration2. Winning argument is not restorative3. First to apologize & Admit fault

Why provide blessing Instead?

I. Relationship takes priority.A. So take initiative to restore!B. So keep matter private!

“Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal the secret of another, or he who hears it will reproach you, and the evil report about you will not pass away.” - Proverbs 25:9-10

Why provide blessing Instead?

I. Relationship takes priority.A. So take initiative to restore!B. So keep matter private!

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you …” - Matthew 18:15-16

Why provide blessing Instead?

I. Relationship takes priority.II. Retribution takes God (not you).

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” - Romans 12:19

Why provide blessing Instead?

I. Relationship takes priority.II. Retribution takes God (not you).

“But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. And if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” - Romans 12:20