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• Relational conflict is inevitable for all of us.
• The recipients of James' Epistle experienced relational conflict.
• Issues and circumstances are not the cause of quarrels and fights.

• We must not minimize the seriousness of the problem.
• Conflict reveals the presence of sin that can escalate in seriousness.
• Illustration: Pete Rose had a superficial estimation of his guilt.
• We must resolve conflict or it will continue.

• The source of the conflict is in our own passions.
• Conflicts reveal our own sinful cravings.
• Illustration: David Pallison, "I have yet to meet a couple locked in hostility who really understood their motives."
• Wherever there's a conflict, there's an unsatisfied sinful craving.
• Illustration: Mahaney's computer only gives him a non-specific error message.
• Illustration: Mahaney's car only warns him with a "check engine" light.
• God gives us specific wisdom for dealing with relational conflict.
• Illustration: Mahaney describes a conflict with his wife where he comes to realize the root cause was his own selfishness.

• James 4:10
• 1 John 1:9
• It is easy because the Savior has done the unimaginably difficult.
• If our confession is sincere it will be specific and brief.

• Prepare for inevitable conflict by humbling yourself before God and others.