Teaching Framework: “Come, Let Us Reason Together”
Dealing with Family Conflicts Through Divine Dialogue
Main Theme/Topic: God’s Invitation to Restorative Dialogue as the Foundation for Resolving Family Conflicts
Core Scripture: Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Teaching Principles
1. The Principle of Divine Initiative
God takes the first step in reconciliation, modeling how family members should approach conflict resolution with humility and openness rather than pride and defensiveness.
2. The Principle of Empathetic Reasoning
True conflict resolution requires understanding others’ perspectives emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually – moving beyond mere intellectual debate to heart-level connection.
3. The Principle of Personal Responsibility
Before addressing others’ faults, individuals must examine their own hearts and acknowledge their contribution to family conflicts (“remove the log from your own eye”).
4. The Principle of Forgiveness as Foundation
Since all family conflicts stem from sin (Adamic or personal), forgiveness from God enables forgiveness toward family members, making restoration possible.
5. The Principle of Constructive Dialogue
Reasoning together involves respectful communication aimed at understanding and solution-finding, not winning arguments or proving points.
Teaching Method: The REASON Framework
R – Recognize God’s Invitation
Activity: Silent reflection on current family conflicts
Discussion: How is God calling you to dialogue about your family situation?
Application: Identify specific relationships needing restoration
E – Examine Your Heart Condition
Activity: Personal inventory of unconfessed sins contributing to conflict
Discussion: How might your heart condition be affecting your family relationships?
Application: Commit to confession and seeking God’s forgiveness first
A – Actively Listen
Activity: Role-play exercises in active listening
Discussion: When did you last truly listen to your family member’s perspective?
Application: Practice listening without preparing counterarguments
S – Seek Empathetic Understanding
Activity: “Walk in their shoes” exercise – imagining family members’ experiences
Discussion: What pain might your family members be experiencing?
Application: Develop specific ways to show empathy to each family member
O – Open Yourself to Alternatives
Activity: Brainstorm multiple solutions to family conflicts
Discussion: How might your viewpoint not be the only or best one?
Application: Identify areas where flexibility is needed
N – Navigate Toward Reconciliation
Activity: Develop action plans for approaching family members
Discussion: What practical steps will you take this week?
Application: Schedule specific conversations with family members
Teaching Structure (60-minute session)
Opening (10 minutes)
Welcome and prayer
Share the main theme and Isaiah 1:18
Ask: “What family conflict weighs on your heart today?”
Foundation Teaching (20 minutes)
Explain God’s invitation to dialogue
Connect divine-human reconciliation to family reconciliation
Present the five key principles with biblical support
Interactive Learning (20 minutes)
Work through the REASON framework
Small group discussions on each element
Personal reflection and note-taking
Application & Commitment (10 minutes)
Individual action planning
Partner accountability setup
Closing prayer for family restoration
Discussion Questions for Deeper Engagement
Personal Reflection:
How has your unwillingness to “reason together” affected your family relationships?
What prevents you from taking God’s invitation to dialogue seriously?
Family Dynamics:
Which family relationship needs the most healing in your life right now?
How might your family benefit if you modeled God’s approach to conflict resolution?
Spiritual Growth:
What does it mean practically to “reason with God” about your family conflicts?
How can confession and forgiveness become regular practices in your family?
Practical Application:
What specific conversation do you need to initiate this week?
Who could serve as a godly counselor to help you navigate difficult family situations?
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this teaching, participants will be able to:
Understand God’s model for approaching conflict through invitation rather than confrontation
Identify their personal contribution to family conflicts and take responsibility
Practice active listening and empathetic understanding with family members
Apply biblical principles of forgiveness and reconciliation in their homes
Develop specific action plans for healing broken family relationships
Commit to ongoing dialogue and reasoning together as a family practice
Follow-up Ministry Opportunities
Weekly Family Restoration Support Groups
Marriage and Family Counseling Referrals
Prayer Partnership for Family Healing
Monthly Check-ins on Progress and Challenges
Advanced Workshops on Conflict Resolution Skills
Materials Needed
Bibles (Isaiah 1:18 focus)
Notebooks for personal reflection
Handouts with REASON framework
Small group discussion guides
Action planning worksheets
Prayer request cards
Resource list for ongoing family ministry support
apgciprayercenter@gmail.com


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