Prov. 20:3; 21:9; 26:21; James 4:1-3; Phil. 2:1-4
OPEN IT: How did your family handle conflict growing up? Did your parents ever fight in front of you?
DIG INTO IT:
- Read Prov. 20:3; 21:9; 26:21 and answer the following questions:
a) Why does quarreling have such a devastating effect on a family?
b) Why are those who are “quick to quarrel” considered fools? (20:3)
c) Is this problem more common in men or women?
- Read James 4:1-3 and answer the following questions:
a) What is the root cause of fighting and quarrels? (vv. 1-2)
b) In what way are fights and quarrels the result of refusing to submit to God? (v. 3)
c) What should the first step be toward resolving conflict? (v. 2b, 3) How is this passage often taken out of context?
- Read Phil. 2:1-4 and answer the following questions:
a) In what way are humility and unity related? (vv. 1-3)
b) What is the center of agreement that would cause us to be “like-minded, etc…”? (v. 3)
c) If there is a disagreement between two Christians (esp. in marriage), whose interests should have priority? (v. 3)
d) How can you look after both your own interests and the interests of others at the same time? (v. 4)
REFLECT ON IT:
- Do you think of yourself as a “fair” fighter when it comes to quarrels with your spouse? Why or why not?
- Are your fights usually resolved quickly, over a long period of time, or not at all?
- How should being a Christian affect the way that we resolve our differences?
- If God were to come to your house in the middle of one of your fights with your spouse, what do you think He would say and/or do?
- What can you do personally to make the atmosphere of your home more peaceful? In other words, is there something that you need to change?
Davis, Barry L.. Instant Bible Studies for Small Groups (pp. 17-18). GodSpeed Publishing. Kindle Edition.