Being a Peacemaker: Peaceable [un-contentious]

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

“All of us at times fall somewhere on the contentiousness continuum, and for various reason.” Feelings of insecurity, abstinence, hurt, moodiness, or vengeance can be some of the reasons.

Even Paul was at odds with Barnabas in Acts 15, displaying insensitivity, intolerance and impatience.

Getz noted that even the “apostles” were in the process of becoming mature in Jesus Christ.

Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17 because left to ourselves, unity would be non-existent.

We become contentious for man reasons. Which do you relate to: Sin Nature, Bad role models, bad habits, insecurity, or bitterness?

Challenge: Consider the “Points of Action” and “Thinking and Growing Together” on pages “168-171.”

Interesting Read

http://baptistmessenger.com/perspective-thanks-mr-hume/

Treating Others Fairly: Gentle

Tom Landry interestingly was my favorite football coach. Mainly because I like the cowboys in that day but then I found out about his faith. Now to read about the way he worked with his players and the way in which they describe him.

Gentleness is not something that we strive to be known for. Most of the time it is equated with weakness. People desire gentleness. I think of how people resent and resist others when people come on extremely strong and rough. I think there is a time for each.

So many times when it is time for gentleness most fall short or never rise to the occasion and others end up without their needs being met.

How do you do it? Gentleness, that is. Fair is an interesting definition. Sensitivity to others in their given situation of need would be a good understanding.

Paul spoke a great deal about our need to be attentive to this reality. 1Timothy 3:3, 2Cor. 10:1, 1Cor. 11:1, Titus 3:1-5, Gal. 5:22-23, Eph. 4:1-2, Col. 3:12-13, 1Thess. 2:7, 2Tim. 2:24-25, 1Tim. 6:11

Challenge: Consider the “Points of Action” and “Thinking and Growing Together” on pages “155-158.”

Avoiding Destructive Behavior: Not Pugnacious

Wow! Cain, Moses, and David were never considered to have much in common. They have a big thing in common. Murder! We all kind of understand Cain (Abel). Moses (Egyptian) was confronted with an impossible situation. David (Uriah) was totally given to self. All three were wrong.

pugnacious: “bruiser, ready with a blow, a striker, anger our of control [resulting in] physical [violence]

Nazi’s are a perfect description of pugnacious. The description of Dinur’s feeling after seeing Eichmann at the Nuremburg trial is telling. Eichmann was just an ordinary man or engaged in planning and carrying out extraordinary violence. What are any of us capable of doing?

I was very struck by the statement that, “when self-respect is nonexistent, so is respect for others.” We have thought for years that abortion is true to the devaluing of life in our culture.

Have you ever considered that talking about others negatively to a variety of people is striking back at them although not physically?

In what relationships do you personally struggle with resentment?

Challenge: Consider the “Points of Action” and “Thinking and Growing Together” on pages “144-146.”

Handling Anger Appropriately: Not Quick-Tempered

Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger…”

Hmmm, so it’s okay to get angry. But it is not okay to stay angry. Anger is an emotion. God experiences anger. In His image we share this quality. We should not be ruled by anger.

What causes anger? Disappointment, frustration, failure, injustice, etc…

What causes quick anger responses in your life? Were you abused? Are you selfish? Did others model quick-tempered responses as you were growing up? Have you found it to be a quality way to manipulate others when you need them to change their behavior or attitudes? Do you utilize anger to get even with others?

Rom. 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Prov. 22:24-25 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

Great Quote from this reading: “He needed to hear me share my anger in a direct but non-abusive way.” (Pg. 128)

Challenge: Consider the “Points of Action” and “Thinking and Growing Together” on pages “129-134.”

Overcoming Self-Centeredness: Not Self-Willed

Would you agree that most Christian men’s self-centeredness is sugarcoated by regular church & bible study attendance and speaking the religious language?

What do you think about Getz's statements about marriage? Self-centeredness is revealed by men’s egos or logic. Ego is a smokescreen for insecurity or weak self-image. Logic is the response because of the threat of dealing with negative feelings.

How do you feel about the idea of self-centeredness being a result of childhood? First, the spiritual side that a child is indulged and therefore becomes self-oriented in all things. Second, the psychological side that the child lives in such an overly-restrictive environment that they become so passive as to become inappropriately compliant.

Do you fall into the group that talks about the self-willed person or have you been faithful to confront in love? Does intimidation and fear of rejection keep you from faithfully reproving? Have you not taken the time because “what is the use?” Does this attitude demonstrate love?

Challenge: Consider the “Points of Action” and “Thinking and Growing Together” on pages “118-120.”