#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Thur. 16/11/2017

Quarter’s Theme: CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE CHURCH

UNIT 3 – Steps To Resolving Conflict In The Church (Lessons 8-12)

LOYALTY CAMPAIGN MONTHS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 154, 159

Devotional Reading: 1 KGS. 3:16-28

Topic For Adults

ACCEPT THE VERDICT OF SAINTS

Topic For Youths

RESOLVE THE DISPUTES AMONG YOURSELVES

Topic For Intermediates

ALWAYS FORGIVE

Lesson Scriptures

MATT. 18:6-9; 1 COR. 6:1-7; MATT. 18:15-17

19/11/2017 LESSON 12

AVOID CIVIL LITIGATION

MEMORY VERSE

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 7:12) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 16/11/2017

Resolve Disputes Out of Court

Prov. 25:8-10

God does not want disputes to remain hanging. They must be resolved as quickly as possible. Proverbs 25:8 states “do not go hastily to court…” In modern societies, amicable settlement of disputes is being promoted. Some states have agencies called Citizens Mediation Centres which citizen can approach to have their disputes resolved quickly and without cost. The courts themselves have internal procedures for amicable resolution of disputes and they encourage litigants to explore settlement. The beauty of this is that parties remain friends. Besides, it is efficient and cost effective; it is voluntary and because parties jointly work the solutions, implementation of agreed term becomes easy, seamless and fast. No party loses at the expense of the other. The shame of loss or damage to reputation is avoided. Therefore, whenever there is a dispute over any subject, try to resolve it with the party or parties concerned and do not rush to court. However, it may be necessary to seek the advice of a professional on certain issues, just in case parties fail to amicably settle the matter. Such advice should be sought as early as possible to avoid being caught by the statute of limitation. Where parties are believers, going to court should be avoided and the issues resolved through prayers, counselling, forgiveness and restitution under the guidance of relevant church organs.

Point of Emphasis: Don’t go hastily to court.

Prayer Point: Lord, give me wisdom to peacefully resolve any dispute that I may have with anybody.