A List I Wish Would Have Been At My Disposal Not Too Long Ago

*from the archives: November, 2009

Perhaps I am overly optimistic, or have a "pie-in-the-sky" outlook when it comes to the degree of authority the Bible should have in our lives.

However, I do believe the Bible should be the primary authority for all believers in matters of life and faith. Whatever we are doing or not doing, the Bible should be governing us.

I realize this approach makes me appear a bit simple and naive, but in the words of someone, "it is what it is."

So...

Here's five questions I think everyone should answer when attempting to resolve conflict or when discussing concerns they might have about someone or something (family, friends, job, church, etc.).

1. Is this about Christ?
2. Does the Bible speak clearly and specifically about this?
3. Does a clear and specific Biblical principle apply to this?
4. Do any Biblical passages or principles apply here?
5. Do you believe you are acting in clear obedience to God on this issue?

Honestly, if you find yourself in conflict with someone, and you can't answer "yes" (and immediately articulate why) to any of these questions, I would suggest you may be in the wrong for this conflict. The other person may also be wrong, but your inability to answer "yes" to any of these questions probably indicates you are holding on to something you shouldn't be holding on to.

Like Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

General Thoughts on Forgiveness

This is a combination of stuff from The Peacemaker by Ken Sande as well as my study for this week. It'll all come together this weekend in my sermons on John 13.

THREE PRIMARY WAYS THE WORD FORGIVENESS IS USED IN THE NT:

• to exonerate, or withhold punishment. as in "to forgive sins". this is something that is typically only done by God or Christ in the New Testament.
• to lay aside, or to put away. this is the idea of choosing to just overlook someone's fault against you. it requires no interaction, it is just a decision.
• to set free. as in setting someone free from whatever they may owe you, whether it be material, financial, emotional, or even an apology.

FOUR "TRUTHS" ABOUT FORGIVENESS:

• Forgiveness is never the wrong thing to do
• Forgiveness is always Jesus' way
• Forgiveness doesn't "fix" everything
• Forgiveness is for YOU not for THEM

FOUR PROMISES OF FORGIVENESS:

• I promise not to dwell on this
• I promise not to use this against you
• I promise not to talk to others about this
• I promise not to allow this to hinder our relationship
  

4 Rules for Confrontation (When It Is Absolutely Necessary)

First and Foremost: Don't seek confrontation. But don't shrink from it. Remember that advise not asked for is often considered criticism. But also remember that blessed is the man who turns a sinner from his way.

1) Confront when you are certain a clear Biblical teaching is being contradicted.
2) In such a case, use the Bible to confront, not your own words.
3) Always present your "case" in humility, acknowledging your perceptions and seeking to "see the best" if possible.
4) Remember Paul's instructions to protect the unity of the body in all things."