Finding the Way Back to Mayberry
Lesson 18 - A Feud is a Feud
Introduction
The Carters and the Wakefields have feuded for more than 87 years. When Mr. Carters
daughter, Hannah, and Mr. Wakefields son, Josh, decide to have Andy marry them,
their fathers stop the ceremony at gunpoint. Afterward, Andy searches for the origin of
the feud. He discovers that neither family knows how or why the hostilities began. One
interesting fact is that no one on either side has ever been injured during all the years
of feuding. Andy announces that a duel to the death between the family patriarchs would
settle the matter once and for all
Lesson Points
Choosing our Battles
Using wisdom instead of force
When dealing with children (Col. 3:21)
When dealing with brethren (Mark 12:31)
Handling Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)
Toward others
Toward ourselves
Toward God
The Values we Teach
Our heritage (Ps. 61:5)
Where is our trust (Ps. 20:7)
Basis for our beliefs (Col. 2:8-10)
Call for Unity (Romans 15:5-6)
Ridding ourselves of prejudices
Courage to do the right thing (1 Cor. 16:13)
Living in peace (Heb. 12:14)
Discussion
Andy didnt push the matter of Josh and Hannah with Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Carter on
the first night. Instead he tried to look for the root of the problem. Think of some
examples of settling conflict using this approach.
The Wakefields and Carters had many years of bitterness built up. Can you see how this bitterness almost cost them their childrens happiness? What are some ways we can rid ourselves of bitterness toward others? Toward God?
Mr. Wakefield and Mr. Carter considered their heritage very important, but had no idea why they believed the way they did. Is it possible for us to be guilty of this mindset?
How important is it for us to know why we believe what we believe?
We can laugh at the silliness of the Carter/Wakefield feud, but what can it teach us when we have conflicts and disagreements with others?
Final Thought
"Well, I dont know, it just seems to me if I was going to take a shot at a
fella, itd pass my mind to ask what for." - Andy