Healing the Wounds of Trauma

lives. Nate shared about his dream of children going to college and getting good jobs so they could provide for their families. He told Paul about the basketball team he had organized to get to know the young boys. Paul began to appreciate Nate’s warmth and concern for the kids. Maybe, he thought, Nate wasn’t a lazy thief. As they went on talking from week to week, they discovered they were both Christians. They had never really imagined that someone from the other group could be a real Christian! Finally one night, Nate said to Paul, “You know, I wanted to run all Moras out of the neighborhood, but now I see how we could work together to make this a great place!” Paul said, “You know, I always thought your people were lazy, but I don’t feel that way anymore.” Nate said, “Do you ever play basketball?” “No, but my sons would really like to learn,” said Paul. Nate said, “Why don’t you all come over to my house? How about this Saturday?” ❂❂ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION 1. Why did Nate and Paul find it hard to accept that the other one was a real Christian? 2. What are the other Kizis and Moras going to think and do when they see Nate and Paul being friends? 2. What are some causes of conflict between groups? ❂❂ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION Are there conflicts in your community or country? What are the roots of these conflicts? A. Desire for resources At the base of every conflict is the desire to have something so strongly we are willing to fight for it (Jas 4.1–3). Wemay fight over turf, power, women, and property. We may be greedy and want more than our share of the available resources, or fearful that resources are running short, or fearful that others will take what we have from us.

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How Can We Live as Christians in the Midst of Conflict?