Key Thought: We are told to love one another and to live in peace and harmony. We are to be patient and kind. And yet this is a challenge even in our own families.

June 8, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 19:11, 17:14.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What are the principles here that can help us avoid conflict with others?
c. Personal Application: Have you ever had conflicts that now seem silly and insignificant? What can we learn from these experiences that could help prevent similar things from happening in the future? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “I have a relative that disagrees with everything I say. I’m beginning to think they just like to argue and disagree. What can I do with someone who always has a negative for whatever I say?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:26,27 Ecclessiastes 7:9.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What is the difference between anger as an emotion and anger as a sin?
b. Personal Application:: Has anyone ever made you angry? Or have you ever gotten angry with someone? How did you get over it? What if you don’t get over it? Share your thoughts.
c. Case Study : One of your friends states, “What does it mean not to let the sun go down upon your anger? What if we get angry at night? Some things naturally cause us to get angry. Does this mean we aren’t supposed to stay angry or carry a grudge?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I John 4:7,8 Colossians 3:19.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean not to be “bitter” against your spouse?
c. Personal Application: How would you deal with a spouse who is hostile, keeps a record of wrongs, and may be violent? Share your thoughts
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Is anger always a sin? My wife and I get angry with each other at times. We don’t always agree with each other on everything, and sometimes we have clashing personalities. We still love each other, but sometimes it’s hard to get along.” How would you reply to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 7:12

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why is trying to understand the other person and their position and feelings such a help in relationships and in dealing with conflicts?
b. Personal Application: Think of the way you treat others. Is it always the way you would want them to treat you? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” Ministry of Healing, p. 148)

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