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Galatians 5:22,23--But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Proverbs 29:8 [LB]--Fools start fights everywhere; wise men try to keep peace. 

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PEACEMAKING: 

• Peacemaking is not avoiding a problem. 

• Peacemaking is not just appeasing another person just for the sake of peace. 

HOW TO BE A PEACEMAKER: 

Plan a peace conference. 

Matthew 5:23-24 [GN]--If... you remember that your brother has something against you... go at once to make peace... 

Psalm 34:14 [LB]--Try to live at peace with everyone; work hard at it. 

Empathize with their feelings. 

1 Peter 3:8 [LB]--be full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. 

1 Peter 3:7 [Ph]--...you husbands should try to understand your wives. 

Romans 15:1,2 [LB]--We must bear the burden of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others... 

Philippians 2:4--Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

Attack the problem, not the person. 

Ephesians 4:25 [LB]--...when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. 

Ephesians 4:15 [GN]--By speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we grow up in every way to Christ. 

Ephesians 4:29--Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

Cooperate as much as possible. 

Romans 12:18--If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

James 3:17 [LB]--Wisdom... is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. 

James 3:18--Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. 

Psalm 37:37 [LB]--The man of peace has a wonderful future ahead of him... a happy ending. 

Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution. 

• Reconciliation = to reestablish the relationship 

• Resolution = to resolve every issue 

2 Corinthians 5:18--All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 

Colossians 3:15 [LB]--Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts... 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

1. How does peacemaking differ from avoiding a problem? What can be some long-term effects of unresolved conflict? 
2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
3. Are there any specific situations/relationships for which you are seeking reconciliation? Take time to pray for these and any other needs of your group.  

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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