SUMMARY Have you ever been angry with someone before? Had someone who was angry with you? As we start our new series, Conflicted, JP teaches through Matthew 5:21-26, teaching us to change our perspective, own our part, and understand that conflict is pressing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS - The way we deal with anger and conflict is what we learned from our home. Are you open to learning a better way? - The first step to deal with conflict is to change your perspective - Conflict is an opportunity to glorify God, be sanctified, and deepen relationships. Avoiding it will not go well with you. - Those who belong to God are peace makers. Not peace fakers or breakers, but peace makers. - All healthy relationships are marked by conflict. Someone who says they never have conflict in relationships does not have real relationships. - When there is conflict in your life you should be marked by urgency to address it. - The second step to deal with conflict is to own your part. - If you are part of the conflict, you have a part in the conflict. - Don’t talk to someone about a problem if they aren’t part of the problem. Go talk to the person(s) that is part of the problem. - The worst part about blind spots is you can’t see them, and when you get angry, they get worse. - When seeking forgiveness, don’t simply apologize (“I’m sorry”) or command forgiveness (“Forgive me”), humble yourself and ASK for forgiveness: “Will you please forgive me for _________?” - Make no mistake, conflict is work. However, as ambassadors of reconciliation for Christ, it’s one of the most important things we do. - The third step to deal with conflict is to understand that conflict is pressing. - We cannot measure obedience by the outcome. We measure obedience by understanding what God says to do and then doing it. - Satan hates you, and one of his main agendas is to make you hate and be in conflict with other Christians.

MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES - Suggested Scripture study: Matthew 5:21-26; Matthew 7:3-5; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 4:26; Romans 12:18 - Conflict field guide