Peace and Conflict

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Resource Discussion Tab Peace and Conflict Andy Farmer has written a wonderful book in the topic of peace called Real Peace. His chapter Peace and Conflict focuses in peace in relationships, what threatens it and what restores it. A longer section in the chapter is calle “Let the Peace of Christ Rule.” Read the section under the heading “3:12-14: Preserving Shalom in the Threat of Conflict” (pp134-141) and discuss as a group using questions such as: 1. Open up the meeting with some qualifiers that indicate the intense and sensitive nature of interpersonal conflict. Assure people you are attempting to allow the Bible and the author to address our souls and NOT to choose sides or expose anyone in this setting.
 2. Andy talks about “fire suppressors” then names a number of them. Have you ever seen them work in personal conversation or as you’ve watched others (even parented others)? What stories might you have about seeing these in action?
 3. There is a balance between bearing with someone’s sin / overlooking AND failing to address sin when we ought (pp136-137). What are some key distinctions between the two and what elements of your faith / promises of God might apply to each?
 4. Contained in the bullet list (pp138-139) are some wonderful implications of gospel application. Which do you find bring the most encouragement? …the most conviction? …the most confusion? Discuss the list openly, asking questions where necessary.
 inevitably there will be specific references to those in conflict. Pray for those situations…even consider if the group might have prophetic words for those trapped in conflict patterns. Thank God for the power to break those patterns and repent.