Quarantine Quarrels
James 4:1-8
James 4:1-7
1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?
6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
A Posture of Humility:
Overlooks Often.
A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11
Shows Gentleness.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Galatians 6:1
3. Listens First.
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
4. Takes Ownership.
Admit
Apologize
Ask
5. Forgives Always.
Bear with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:13
6. Focuses on Hope
Homework: Evaluate on a scale of 1 to 10 how well you practice each of the six results of humility in the relationships closest to you. Make an intentional effort to take this posture of humility this week and working on the six results in your life. At the end of the week, reevaluate each one and determine where progress has been made.