Sierra Vista Community Church
A Faith That Works When Life Doesn't
Part 7
James 3:13-18 ESV
How To Keep Peace In Your Relationships:
1. Determine to manage your anger. Acts 17:16-18
“Any fool can start arguments: the wise thing is to stay out of them.” (Proverbs 20:3) [TEV]
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
2. Be open to discussion. Acts 17:19-21
“A fool thinks he needs no advice but a wise man listens to others.” (Proverbs 12:15) [LB]
3. Keep your emotions in check. Acts 17:22-23
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insulted you fell on me.” (Romans 15:1-3) [NIV]
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
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4. Look for the best in others. Acts 17:24-29
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” (Luke 12:11-12)
5. Respect others’ differences. Acts 17:30-31
“For in him we live and move and exist.” (Acts 17:28a)
“Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)
“The secret is Christ himself; in him lie hidden all God’s treasures of wisdom …” (Colossians 2:3) [NEB]
6. Respectfully defend the truth. Acts 17:32-34
“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” (Ephesians 4:15)
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)