“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.” Hebrews 12:2 Message

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”  From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:25-27

Be sure to take care of those closest to you.

Stages of Conflict

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” James 4:1

 Withdrawal.

Escalation.

Belittling.

False belief.

Be Aware

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5

1.Be aware of God’s view of them.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” John 3:16

2.Be aware of the power of your words.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

3.Be aware of what you did.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3-4

4.Be aware of what you should do.

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9

5.Be aware of what God will do.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5-6

 * All scriptures are from the NAS Bible unless otherwise noted