New Life in Christ Church

Jesus first sermon in Nazareth set the paradigm for His ministry-proclaiming freedom through Jubilee. As we celebrate 50 years of missions, we must recommit to proclaiming this freedom to the nations.

How do we deal with difficult people? Relationships are often broken by conflict, mis-trust, and sin. Yet, God calls us to follow Him, act with integrity, and pursue peace inHis covenant. In our passage today, we will see how God leads His people out of con-flict and into His promises.I. Following Gods Call in Difficult Relationships (Genesis 31:1-21)

Recognizing When a Relationship Has Turned - Gen. 31:1-2Seeking Gods Direction in Conflict - Gen. 31:3James 3:16-18 Wisdom from above is pure and peaceable.Seeking Confirmation from Trusted Voices - Gen. 31:4-16Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22 The value of wise counsel.Making a Clean Break - Gen. 31:17-21

II. Acting with Integrity in Conflict (Genesis 31:22-42)

1 Peter 2:15-17 Integrity silences false accusations

III. The Value of Covenant Relationships (Genesis 31:43-55)

A covenant establishes an ongoing relationshipA covenant defines the boundaries and expectations of a relationshipA covenant establishes accountability in relationshipsGods new covenant of grace - Jeremiah 31:31-34; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Conclusion and Application:

- Are you handling your conflicts with integrity?- How are you trusting Gods leadership in difficult relationships?- Are you honoring the covenants you have made with God,in marriage, in church, others?- How have you seen God's love in the covenant He has made with us in Christ?