Paul knew that God wants us to learn how to get along with each other. Paul often spoke of life's relationships. Paul, himself knew how hard it was to maintain a relationship due to a hurt, conflict, or a rift of some kind. That's why he said, in Philippians 2:1-2: "If then there is any comfort in Christ, any help given by love, any uniting of hearts in the Spirit, and loving mercies and pity, Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in harmony and of one mind." (Bible in Basic English) How then do we handle our emotions when these things happen to us? There are seven biblical steps every Christian should know how to use. They are: 1. Take time to talk to God before talking to the person. Remember, pour out your hurts, frustrations and insecurities; take time to tell God how you feel. No one can meet all your needs except Christ. 2. Make the first move. Remember when conflict comes, time heals nothing; it causes hurts to fester. 3. Begin with sympathy, not solutions. Focus on how the other person feels whether you agree or not. Listening says, "I value your opinion; I care about you." 4. Admit your own mistakes. Don't make excuses or shift the blame; honestly own up to what you said or did and ask for forgiveness. 5. How you say something is as important as what you say. If you speak offensively, it will be received defensively. Don't be sarcastic, condemning, or condescending when you speak. 6. Cooperation = peace. Peace always has a price tag attached. Paul said, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18, KJV) 7. Relationships are important. We can reestablish a relationship even when we can't resolve our differences. Remember, reconciliation focuses on the relationship. 2 Corinthians 5:18: "But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation." (Amer. Std. Version). While we may not always agree together on everything, we should still be able to walk side by side in unity.
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