#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sat. 4/11/2017

Quarter’s Theme: CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE CHURCH

UNIT 3 – Steps To Resolving Conflict In The Church (Lessons 8-12)

LOYALTY CAMPAIGN MONTHS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 6, 9

Devotional Reading: MATT. 18:15-17

Topic For Adults

DON’T BOTTLE-UP RESENTMENT, SPEAK OUT

Topic For Youths

DON’T FAKE IT, BE REAL

Topic For Intermediates

SAY YOUR MIND

Lesson Scriptures

GEN. 33:1-10; ACTS 15:1-2, 6-7; GAL. 2:11-14; EPH. 4:15,25,29

5/11/2017 LESSON 10

AVOID PRETENCE, BE REAL

MEMORY VERSE

Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour, for we are members of one another (Eph. 4:25) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 4/11/2017

Don’t Pretend To Be Unhurt

Matt. 18:15-17

We were created as social beings, i.e., we’re created to relate and interact with each other. Hence, where there is a relationship, conflicts are inevitable. These conflicts are, however, not meant to put us apart but to remind us of our individual uniqueness. God cares about our squabbles – in marriages, families, church, work, or friendships. The Lord loves His family and wants us to live in harmony with each other. Conflicts must be dealt with and not ignored. Unfortunately, some people have allowed mountains to evolve out of the mole hills in their relationships. Rather than settling their differences as they occur, they are allowed to pile up until an outburst that will make them to take regrettable actions. Today’s passage tells us how to ensure reconciliation when there is conflict. The first step, and perhaps the most important, is to go and tell your brother his fault with a view to settling it amicably. The habit of some is to pretend to be unhurt. This is often not helpful, but ruins relationship. This pretentious attitude is like covering an open wound under the sleeves of your cloth; it won’t get healed that way, rather it will fester and worsen. You’ve got to open up and tell your brother his fault – he may not even be aware that he had offended you. So, it is not a weakness or immaturity to express your disappointment at your brother’s action.

Point of Emphasis: It’s not a weakness or immaturity to tell your brother how bad you feel about his action.

Prayer Point: Oh Lord, help me to forgive all who have offended me and give wisdom and courage for reconciliation where necessary.