IslandMix - Soca, Reggae, Zouk and Caribbean Entertainment

'"IF YOUR BROTHER SINS...REPROVE HIM IN PRIVATE...''' MATTHEW 18:15

Working out your differences requires a few ground-rules: 1) Clarify the
problem. Make a careful (and prayerful) assessment of how you see
things. Is this a mountain or a molehill? Temporary or long-term?
Avoidable or unavoidable? 2) Cleanse your attitude. Jesus
said,'"...first take the log out of your own eye...then you will see
clearly to take the speck out of your brother's..."' (Matthew 7:5 NAS).
Submit your thoughts to God and get His input. When you're angry and
judgemental it's easy to wreak havoc. That kind of attitude does nothing
to restore peace 3) Carefully decide when and where to meet. Make sure
it's in private, and at a time neither of you is tired or rushed. For
instance, if you're married to a soccer fan don't try to hold a
meaningful conversation during the World Cup Final 4) Reaffirm your
commitment to the relationship. Let the person know up front how much
you value them and that you're not issuing ultimatums; you just want to
make things better 5) Encourage dialogue. Avoid polarising statements
like, 'You always,' or 'You never.' When you say something important
pause and ask, 'Do I have my facts straight, or am I missing something?'
Let's face it; sometimes confrontation does end in permanent division.
That's why Paul said, 'If...possible...live peaceably with all men'
(Romans 12:18 KJV). But too many of us just give up when things get
rocky. Relationships are valuable; they take years to build. That's why
real love hangs in there and works through them.