Study: Source of Stability
Lesson: When Family Bonds Shatter
2 Samuel 13:19-22,28a,37-39; 14:23-24; 15:1-6
In a survey conducted earlier this year about family disagreements
during holiday gatherings, the following topics were identified as
sources of conflict:
House rules
Manners or politeness
Children or parenting
Spouse or lover
Other in-laws
Politics
Religion
Sex
Money
Alcohol
Drugs
Job or career
Lifestyle
Sports
Source: "Why Bad Relatives Happen to Good People," VitalSmarts.
com (online), (accessed 10 November 2008). Available from the
Internet: www.vitalsmarts.com/userfiles/RelativesSurvey.pdf
Comment that the survey also found that of those surveyed, 64%
indicated that the conflict remained unresolved. Ask learners to
explain why these kinds of conflicts continue for years without
resolution.
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Biblical Insight
Is reconciliation always possible?
David saw his family disintegrating before his eyes. While he knew the
cause lay in his own previous decisions, he did not work at building or
rebuilding communication and relationships with his sons. Perhaps the
acts of his sons, Amnon in attacking David’s daughter, and
consequently Absalom orchestrating Amnon’s death, could have been
avoided if David had recognized the fruition of the Lord’s punishment
and worked at changing the course and attitudes of his family. David’s
family may have been split by horrid actions, but if David had acted in
accordance with God’s commands, relationships might have been
restored even endured the consequences of their actions.
Reconciliation is always possible. However both parties must be
willing to put down their own pain, hurts and opinions and move
toward each other. It is then that resolution can come. Jesus’ death,
burial and resurrection point to the belief that reconciliation is always
possible. Jesus died for any and all who will place their trust in Him.
Paul (Saul) zealously opposed Christianity, yet Jesus was willing to
invite Paul into His kingdom. When being persecuted on the cross,
Jesus prayed for those who were jeering at Him. Jesus is the model
Christians are to follow and He always looked for opportunities to
reconcile.
Lesson synopsis by
Lifeway.com
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