December 8, 2019

Do you ever wonder what causes you to say the things you say and do the things you do when you’re in the midst of a fight or an argument? In the moment, the cause of our problems always seems so clear. But James helps us take a step back from the emotions of interpersonal conflict in order to really see what’s going on inside. Our hearts contribute in a unique way to the instances of interpersonal conflict we experience. And in our passage today, James not only helps us see the reality of the problem, but he gives us a clear path forward.

Application Questions

1. What’s an example of interpersonal conflict you’ve experienced recently?
2. What are you tempted to attribute this conflict to?
3. In light of today’s passage, what was the actual cause of that conflict in your heart? What did you desire/covet that you weren’t being given?
4. How could that conflict realistically have looked different if you had asked God for what you determined to take on your own?
5. How do you know that God a trustworthy place to turn to for your desires, whether he provides them when and how you would like or not?