Make Peace (Part 3): Go Time

#1 Listen to “Make Peace: Go Time”

Consider this Sunday morning’s lesson. You can listen here: http://bit.ly/1gCDfNL 

Or watch here [video will be posted by Monday each week]: www.vimeo.com/rrcoc

What stuck out to you as interesting?

Did you encounter any challenging or re-orienting truth?

How’d it make you feel?

#2 Gut Reaction

Most people react in one of two (faulty) ways in a moment of conflict:

1. They attack.

2. They escape.

Which one is your tendency? Have you observed any negative consequences to approaching conflict in that way?

#3  >

What's the difference between restoration and condemnation?

Have you ever approached a person with whom you have conflict with a posture of condemnation? Have you ever felt condemned in a confrontation? What results from that kind of attitude in conflict?

Why is restoration better?

Do you feel like you've seen a relationship of yours restored as a result of healthy peace-making? What was so effective in healing your bond? Share with the group.

#4 Why It Matters

Read Ephesians 4:2-3

How are peace and unity related?

Read Psalm 133 and John 17:20-23.

Why is it important for God's people to make peace in the body?

What are the effects of peace/unity in the body?

#5 Gossip

So often the first place we go with conflict isn't to the person involved but rather to other people on the outside.

Why?

How does it make us feel to talk about our conflict with people who aren't directly involved?

Why might it be a bad idea?

Read Proverbs 26:20-21.

What kinds of problems/tensions/evil might arise from gossip?

Does gossip result in restoration or condemnation?

#6 Action

On Sunday Justin offered some advice for navigating conflict conversations. He suggested we...

• Use “I” language, not “you” language
• Be gentle.
• Focus.
• Listen. 
• Pray together.

Did any of these stick out to you as surprising? Challenging? Is there one you're dying to try? Why?

Have you ever employed any of these tactics in a conflict-laced conversation? How'd it go?

#7 Accountability

Some members in your group really need to make peace, but they just can't get up the nerve. Encourage members to pick another group member to talk to about a specific conflict and to help keep them accountable in their efforts at making peace.

This is not necessarily an activity for your meeting time so much as a reminder that the small group exists for the encouragement of every member.