Problem Solving

Finding Solutions:

Disagreements and problems will always happen, but it is unhealthy to allow them to fester and become a sore. The apostle Paul had a disagreement with the leaders at Jerusalem, but it was solved in a good way. Here's a five stage process for handling conflict:

1. Pray:

Pray about the problem and ask God to help you see the reasons behind it, the needs of those involved, their values and qualities, and how you may have added to the problem.

2. Explore:

Explore each other's position and listen carefully to each others' views on the subject of the argument. Show respect to each other, but don't blame, accuse, or insult a person. Don't try to find out who's right or wrong. Listen carefully and try to understand and respect each other's point of view. Why am I sticking to my argument? What is important in this situation? Is it true, or is there something behind it?

Bear in mind that the fight may be about personalities and needs, rather than the problem area. Often we have fights that don't touch the real issue. We can feel unfairly treated. We can feel our point of view is questioned. This makes us resentful and need to get back at the other person. Look for what the problem is really about and what has to be resolved.

3. Approach:

Approach possible solutions together, sharing what you have in common. Find out what is the real problem, what it is really about and what has to be resolved. Look for areas of where you can agree. When two people are very angry with each other they often think there's nothing that they can agree about. Keep cool and find something you can agree on. When you have done this you'll find lots of other things to agree on.

4. Agree:

Work together to find a solution. Since the problem involves both of you, it's helpful if you both of you look for possible solutions. If both people make suggestions on ways to improve things, they have the best chance of reaching an agreement. What alternative solutions are there? Which of them could I live with? This may include a desire to see God glorified and concern for each other's happiness.

5. Expell:

Expel and get rid of any bad feelings and anger you still hold. Matthew 25:4 tells us to go to our brother and make peace with them! How have I added to this situation or made it worse? Is there anything I need to ask the Lord to help me repent of? Psalm 85:8 says:

"I will listen to what God, the Lord will say,
He promises peace to His people, His saints."

God bless.

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Problem Solving Finding Solutions: Disagreements and problems will always happen, but it is unhealthy to allow them to fester and become a sore. The apostle Paul had a disagreement with the leaders at Jerusalem, but it was solved in a good way. Here's a five stage process for handling conflict: 1. Pray: Pray about the problem and ask God to help you see the reasons behind it, the needs of those involved, their values and qualities, and how you may have added to the problem. 2. Explore: Explore each other's position and listen carefully to each others' views on the subject of the argument. Show respect to each other, but don't blame, accuse, or insult a person. Don't try to find out who's right or wrong. Listen carefully and try to understand and respect each other's point of view. Why am I sticking to my argument? What is important in this situation? Is it true, or is there something behind it? Bear in mind that the fight may be about personalities and needs, rather than the problem area. Often we have fights that don't touch the real issue. We can feel unfairly treated. We can feel our point of view is questioned. This makes us resentful and need to get back at the other person. Look for what the problem is really about and what has to be resolved. 3. Approach: Approach possible solutions together, sharing what you have in common. Find out what is the real problem, what it is really about and what has to be resolved. Look for areas of where you can agree. When two people are very angry with each other they often think there's nothing that they can agree about. Keep cool and find something you can agree on. When you have done this you'll find lots of other things to agree on. 4. Agree: Work together to find a solution. Since the problem involves both of you, it's helpful if you both of you look for possible solutions. If both people make suggestions on ways to improve things, they have the best chance of reaching an agreement. What alternative solutions are there? Which of them could I live with? This may include a desire to see God glorified and concern for each other's happiness. 5. Expell: Expel and get rid of any bad feelings and anger you still hold. Matthew 25:4 tells us to go to our brother and make peace with them! How have I added to this situation or made it worse? Is there anything I need to ask the Lord to help me repent of? Psalm 85:8 says: "I will listen to what God, the Lord will say, He promises peace to His people, His saints." God bless. Copyright © Sharon Children's Ministries
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