Friction

How do we navigate conflict well?

How do we lean in with love when there’s relational friction?

FRICTION

3 Observations About Conflict:

1. Conflict is _______________.
Every relationship, no matter how _______________ or _______________, will experience friction.

2. Conflict is _______________.

3. Conflict is an opportunity to _______________.

 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

 

Why is conflict so difficult to resolve?

- We lack personal _______________.

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 14:12

The _______________ Story: It’s not my fault

The _______________ Story: It’s all their fault

The _______________ Story: There’s nothing else I can do

 

- We choose the wrong _______________.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:23

- We have the wrong _______________.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 15:18

- We use the wrong _______________.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

_______________: Passive

_______________: Aggressive

_______________: Passive-Aggressive

 

How do we resolve conflict healthily?

1. Define the _______________ on your _______________.

- Examine your HEART & PART. [Matthew 7:3-5]

- Move from THINKING about them to PRAYING for them. [Matthew 5:43-45]

- Give a GENEROUS explanation for their BEHAVIOR. [Philippians 4:8]

- If necessary, seek WISE COUNSEL. [Proverbs 15:22]

 

2. Set up a time to _______________; don’t put it _______________.

Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

Proverbs 14:9

- The harder the MESSAGE, the more human the METHOD.

- Focus on ONE issue, not MANY issues.

 

3. Address the _______________; don’t attack the _______________.

- Lead with VULNERABILITY.

- Seek to UNDERSTAND before being UNDERSTOOD. [Proverbs 18:13]

- Speak the TRUTH in LOVE [Ephesians 4:14-16]

- Make a PLAN & extend FORGIVENESS. [Colossians 3:12-14]

 

4. If stuck, get _______________ help. [Matthew 18:15-17]