Straight From The Heart

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People tend to use attack responses when they are more interested in controlling others and getting their way than in preserving a relationship.

A.S.SAULT -

Some people try to overcome an opponent by using various forms of force or intimidation, such as verbal attacks (including gossip and slander), physical violence, or efforts to damage a person financially or professionally (see Acts 6:8-15). Such conduct always makes conflict worse.

LITIGATION -

Although some conflicts may legitimately be taken before a civil judge (see Acts 24:1-26; Rom 13:1-5), lawsuits usually damage relationsh.i.p.s, diminish our Christian witness, and often fail to achieve complete justice. This is why Christians are commanded to make every effort to settle their differences within the church rather than in the civil courts (see 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Matt 5:25-26).

MURDER -

In extreme cases, people may be so desperate to win a dispute that they will try to kill those who oppose them (see Acts 7:54-58). While most people would not actually kill someone, we still stand guilty of murder in God's eyes when we harbor anger or contempt in our hearts toward others (see 1 John 3:15; Matt 5:21-22).

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