I have heard it said that “people business is a messy business.” Why is this true? We are all imperfect humans, and conflict is bound to occur when we live life together. While most, if not all, dislike conflict, we will all face conflict at times. So how do we respond when conflict comes? Especially conflict with those closest to us, such as our spouse and family members? We will talk about this in our study today and learn how to respond and not respond when this conflict comes.
What is the silliest argument you had as a kid, or what is the silliest argument you have heard your kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews have?
Bible Study Questions
1. What topics cause the most arguments today?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read 2 Samuel 6:16-23. Describe the conflict between David and Michal? What went wrong?
2 Samuel 6:16-23 16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him. 17 They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes. 20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!” 21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
2 Samuel 6:16-23
16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.
20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
3. Read Colossians 3:13-17. What is to be the motivation for forgiveness, according to these verses?
Colossians 3:13-17
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
4. Look at verse 17. How does love “bind everything together in perfect harmony?”
Application
1. How have you found conflict healthy in some of your relationships? How have you seen conflict negatively affect your relationships?
2. Look back at Colossians 3:13-17. Which of these character traits do you find the easiest? Which is the most difficult? Why?
3. Who is someone you are facing conflict with and struggling to forgive? What would it look like to take a step toward restoring that relationship?
Before we can take any steps toward restoration in our conflicts, we have to turn to God. We have to remember and thank Him for the ways He has shown us forgiveness. We also have to ask God for strength and grace to offer forgiveness, especially when it is difficult and right in the middle of conflict. So spend some time praying as a group. Pray that God would allow each of you to show forgiveness, and thank Him for the forgiveness He has shown to you.
We talked last week about the command for all of God’s people to love, specifically in marriage relationships and among other followers of Christ. However, the truth is that this command goes beyond the people we love and usually get along with. This command to love extends to everyone, even our enemies and those we are in conflict with. So let’s turn to Scripture to what it has to say about this call to love.
Read Leviticus 19:18.
Read Luke 6:27-36.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This passage gives us a definition of love that may be helpful for us as we think about loving during times of conflict?
Sometimes, it is easy to forget about Jesus’ call to love everyone, even our enemies in the middle of conflict. We need a reminder to love as Scripture calls us to love. Commit to memorizing Luke 6:27 with your group. As you memorize this verse, you will be reminded to love even those who are difficult to love.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2
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