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Matthew 5: ²⁵Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and you are dragged into court, handed over to an officer, and thrown in jail. ²⁶I assure you that you won't be free again until you have paid the last penny. (NLT)
Matthew 18: ¹⁵If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. (CEV)  James 4; ¹What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? ²You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. ³And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure. (NLT)
1. Why does God expect us to hold our tongues, and take the initiative in resolving a conflict?

Proverbs 3: ³⁰Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt. (CEV)
Proverbs 15: ¹A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up. ²Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness. (CEV)
Proverbs 20: ³It makes you look good when you avoid a fight - only fools love to quarrel. Proverbs 29: ¹¹Don't be a fool and quickly lose your temper -- be sensible and patient. (CEV)
2. When we are quick to argue, what lies beneath, and how can we correct that tendency?

Proverbs 12: ²⁰An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness. (CEV)
Colossians 3: ¹⁵.... And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. ¹⁶Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. (NLT)
3. What happens when we try to have gentle thoughts and let Christ's words live in us?

Matthew 11: ²⁹Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. James 3: ¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 1 Timothy 6: ¹¹... Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle. (CEV)
4. How can we acknowledge our problems and let God fill us with His wisdom and attitudes?

Matthew 6: ¹²"Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others." ¹⁴If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. ¹⁵But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Ephesians 4: ².... Patiently put up with each other and love each other.... ³²... be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you. (CEV)
5. Describe when you let go of hurt and really did put up with a difficult and irregular person.

Please study the above references and then add your observations and applications:
Observations                                                             Applications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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