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- Oct 26, 2007
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If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18
Think about the last time you were in some kind of conflict with another person—maybe your spouse, one of your children, a close friend, or a coworker. These kinds of situations are always uncomfortable, sometimes extremely so, simply because you and that other person are not at peace with each other.
Even after Jesus saves you, you still have your sinful nature (at least until the day you start eternity with Him), so you’re still bound to make mistakes and to engage in sinful speech and actions. That often means saying and doing things that hurt or anger others. That’s a two-way street, because there may be times when someone hurts or offends you.
In either scenario, there’s a loss of peace and unity. At that point, someone is going to have to step up and do what it takes to remedy the situation. The ball might not always be in your court, but when it is—even partially—the Bible instructs you to choose humility, to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.
So when you find yourself in conflict with someone close to you, don’t let the situation fester. Instead, search your heart, evaluate your own words and actions, and then do what you must to be at peace with that person.
Think about the last time you were in some kind of conflict with another person—maybe your spouse, one of your children, a close friend, or a coworker. These kinds of situations are always uncomfortable, sometimes extremely so, simply because you and that other person are not at peace with each other.
Even after Jesus saves you, you still have your sinful nature (at least until the day you start eternity with Him), so you’re still bound to make mistakes and to engage in sinful speech and actions. That often means saying and doing things that hurt or anger others. That’s a two-way street, because there may be times when someone hurts or offends you.
In either scenario, there’s a loss of peace and unity. At that point, someone is going to have to step up and do what it takes to remedy the situation. The ball might not always be in your court, but when it is—even partially—the Bible instructs you to choose humility, to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.
So when you find yourself in conflict with someone close to you, don’t let the situation fester. Instead, search your heart, evaluate your own words and actions, and then do what you must to be at peace with that person.
