Solving Problems in a Biblical Way

Introduction:
Are you having a problem with someone, or something that you haven't been able to reconcile? Have you dealt with it in a biblical way? We all will encounter problems in this world, the question is not that we have problems, but how we solve problems.

There are two ways that people normally deal with problems. There is the outburst, or dealling with them in anger. Venting our frustrations at the person and not dealing with the problem.

Then there are those that just claim up and don't talk about their problems. They take everything inward and it eats them alive.

There are four ways to communicate:
(Ephesians 4:15, 4:25-32)
1. We are to be truthful: vs. 15, 25
2. We are to keep our problems current. Vs. 26-27
   Don't let your problems go on and on. "let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"
3. We are to attack the problem and not the person. Vs. 29-30
4. We are to act ant react. Vs. 31-32

Practical ways to deal with each other in the church family:
1. Live at peace with all men... Romans 12:9-21
2. Walk in love...Ephesians 4:25-5:2
3. Restore one another in gentleness...Galations 6:1
4. Tolerate no divisions amoung you...I Corinthians 1:10-12
5. Practice godly love...I Corinthians 13
6. Bear with one onother...Colossians 3:12-17
7. Approach each other with humility...I Thess. 2:5-7
8. Do not repay evil...I Peter 3:8-12
9. Pray for one another...James 5:16
10. In addition to words, demonstrate love in action...I John 3:13

How to create an environment that fosters growth from conflicts:
1. Model an humble attitude
2. Be quick to praise and slow to critique
3. Address attitudes that fuel conflict- before they become actions.
4. Keep a close check on your personal motivations.
5. Apply Ephesians 4:29 to your conversation.
   "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto hearers."
6. Communicate your appreciation for everyone, not just for people who are like you or who agree with you.
7. Insist on a complete follow-through to conflict resolution.

Be quick to ask forgiveness:
Ephesians 4:32
1. "There is nothing more Christ like on the face of the earth than forgiveness....nothing:"
2. Practise Matthew 18:1-35, and Matthew 5:23-24

Conclusion
Conflict among God's people is as old as Genesis: But far greater than our failure to get along is God's overpowering grace and His faithful, pursuing love. He will work through us sometimes and in spite of us at other times, but he will always accomplish His work. God commanded us to work out our conflicts with each other because of the opportunity it brings us to experience greater intimacy with Him and with those whom we love.