Heart Connex Parents Page - May 11-14, 2011
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE May 11-14, 2011 Resolving Conflict Biblically—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: I believe you will be successful in your future vocation. I can see you becoming a __________. If you do, I would be willing to pay for you to . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Matthew 5:21-24; Ephesians 4:1-3; and 1 John 4:20. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • Family members who express their feelings in love and without accusing show wisdom in resolving conflict. Untruths • If people just keep their feelings to themselves, families can live in peace. • If someone in the family has done you wrong, you have every reason to attack. • If there is conflict at home, just try to stay away from the family as much as possible. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud 1 John 4:20. Remind your family members that believers do not have permission to ignore broken relationships in the home and that doing so harms not only the family but also the their walk with Jesus. Read aloud Matthew 5:21-24. Say: Scripture is clear. Family members in conflict should not ignore the situation. They shouldn’t try to keep their feelings bottled up. They need to go to the person and work to resolve the conflict. Read aloud Ephesians 4:1-3. Point out these key words that should govern family members as they work out a conflict: humility, gentleness, patience, acceptance, love, unity, and peace. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Review with your family the following principles for resolving conflict: • Go to the person with whom you are in conflict. Show love and work toward unity. • If you are the one in the wrong, ask for forgiveness. If you were wronged, express how the wrong has affected you—but without attacking or accusing. • With gentleness and humility, ask the person who wronged you to make a change that may prevent future harm. Express unconditional love, no matter what the response. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for relying on biblical wisdom to resolve our conflicts. Parent Tip: When parents balance emotional warmth, availability, and affection with consistent expectations and fair discipline, they create an emotional climate in which children thrive. Children from these homes tend to be secure, well-adjusted, and generally healthier than their peers.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE May 11-14, 2011 Resolving Conflict Biblically—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: I believe you will be successful in your future vocation. I can see you becoming a __________. If you do, I would be willing to pay for you to . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Matthew 5:21-24; Ephesians 4:1-3; and 1 John 4:20. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • Family members who express their feelings in love and without accusing show wisdom in resolving conflict. Untruths • If people just keep their feelings to themselves, families can live in peace. • If someone in the family has done you wrong, you have every reason to attack. • If there is conflict at home, just try to stay away from the family as much as possible. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud 1 John 4:20. Remind your family members that believers do not have permission to ignore broken relationships in the home and that doing so harms not only the family but also the their walk with Jesus. Read aloud Matthew 5:21-24. Say: Scripture is clear. Family members in conflict should not ignore the situation. They shouldn’t try to keep their feelings bottled up. They need to go to the person and work to resolve the conflict. Read aloud Ephesians 4:1-3. Point out these key words that should govern family members as they work out a conflict: humility, gentleness, patience, acceptance, love, unity, and peace. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Review with your family the following principles for resolving conflict: • Go to the person with whom you are in conflict. Show love and work toward unity. • If you are the one in the wrong, ask for forgiveness. If you were wronged, express how the wrong has affected you—but without attacking or accusing. • With gentleness and humility, ask the person who wronged you to make a change that may prevent future harm. Express unconditional love, no matter what the response. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for relying on biblical wisdom to resolve our conflicts. Parent Tip: When parents balance emotional warmth, availability, and affection with consistent expectations and fair discipline, they create an emotional climate in which children thrive. Children from these homes tend to be secure, well-adjusted, and generally healthier than their peers.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
