“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.4-5.niv
Happiness - Rejoicing - Joy -
General Truth: Hurt People - Hurt People
But if you have access to joy even while you are hurt, this changes everything.
I. Express yourself positively
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”
Philippians 4:1 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.1.niv
II. Reconcile Quickly
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Philippians 4:2-3 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.2-3.niv
III. Who Starts?
A. The Offending person
B. The Offended person
C. The Third Party person
““Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:23-24 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.5.23-24.niv
““If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Matthew 18:15 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.18.15.niv
Philippians 4:2-3 NIV
IV. Be Considerate
Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
Grace is an elixir that produces a heart condition that predisposes people toward reconciliation and revolutionizes the way they approach conflict.
If you
You know and so you can:
1. Rejoice
2. Be gentle
3. Love: loved people - love people
4. Forgive: Forgiven people - Forgive people
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