Is This Really Worth Fighting Over?
Some conflicts can be properly resolved only through confession, confrontation, forgiveness, and negotiation. But there are many more that can be properly resolved simply by overlooking minor offenses or relinquishing rights for the sake of God’s kingdom. Therefore, before focusing on your rights, take a careful look at your responsibilities. Before you go to remove the speck from your brother’s eye, ask yourself, “Is this really worth fighting over?”
1. Describe the material issues in this conflict.
2. Describe the personal issues or offenses in this conflict.
3. Check your attitude (PM @ 83-90; see Phil. 4:2-8):
• What can you “rejoice in the Lord” about in this situation?
• Write down everything you can think of that is noble, right, or admirable about the other person in this dispute, including good memories or ways God has blessed you through that person.
4. What rights, legally or morally, do you have in this situation?
5. How might exercising these rights glorify God, advance his kingdom, benefit others, and benefit you?
6. How might laying down these rights glorify God, advance his kingdom, benefit others, and benefit you?
7. Which of the personal issues or offenses described in your answer to question 2 can you simply overlook? How might overlooking them please and honor God?
8. Which of the material issues described in your answer to question 1 can you simply give in on?
