Dealing with Conflict
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the December 18, 2022 class titled “Dealing with Conflict,” the teacher opened with a brief update on recent community outreach efforts before transitioning into the biblical foundations for handling interpersonal disputes. He revisited the earlier theme of examining the “plank in our own eye” and emphasized that judging others without self‑examination is contrary to Scripture. The core of the lesson focused on two key passages: Matthew 18:15‑17, which outlines the graduated steps for confronting a brother who has sinned, and Colossians 3:12‑15, where Paul describes the virtues Christians must ‘put on’—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and, most importantly, love—as the binding force for unity. The teacher highlighted verse 14’s call to let the peace of Christ rule our hearts, explaining how this peace should govern our responses in conflict. He connected these principles to everyday scenarios, urging the class to forgive as the Lord forgave, bear with one another, and apply these truths not only within the church family but also in workplaces and broader relationships. The session concluded with prayer, reinforcing the desire for each participant to practice these biblical conflict‑resolution strategies in their daily lives.
Key Scriptures
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other if anyone has a grievance against another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And above all, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.