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This is part 2 of a 3 part talk: Part 1 | Part 3
This audio talk is a continuation of Part 1. In this talk, Tim Lane argues that wisdom is fostered in the context of godly relationships. Lane discusses the first two of four gospel virtues needed for fostering redemptive friendships: 1.) Forgiveness (fostering communities of grace) and 2.) Conflict (dealing with it in a godly way). Lane argues that forgiveness is multi-faceted. Forgiveness cancels a debt, is both an event and a process, is not forgetting and is not peace at any cost. Lane argues that a lack of forgiveness turns victims into victimizers and can have eternal costs.
The process of practicing forgiveness includes: 1.) Not turning a blind eye to sin; 2.) Loving the habitual sinner wisely; 3.) Holding yourself to a high biblical standard; 4.) Dealing first with your own heart attitude; and 5.) Asking for forgiveness. Lane also examines barriers to forgiveness and motivations to forgive: 1.) You don’t believe that you need to be forgiven; 2.) You don’t think you are forgivable; and 3.) The joy of his forgiveness has grown dull. James 4 offers insight into the issues of conflict; conflict emerges as God’s counter-intuitive way of rescuing you from yourself. Lane encourages us to see conflict not as a threat but as a ministry opportunity.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 5:38-39; Mark 11:25; Luke 17:3; James 4:1-12
