| Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” |
I have never liked conflict. As a middle child, I often found myself as a referee between my siblings, trying to smooth troubled waters and mend broken fences. In a large family, there was always going to be differing opinions on how things should be done, when, and by whom. I don’t thrive in situations dominated by chaos, so it has always been my goal for those around me to live and work in harmony. Sometimes it takes sacrifice and hard work, but the results are always worth it.
Our verse today instructs us to make living in peace with others a priority. Are we going out of our way to be courteous to others, even if we feel they are in the wrong? Do we make the effort to really listen to others, speak kindly and then react slowly? Are we putting the needs of friends and family ahead of our own whenever possible? Living in peace with others IS possible, but it takes real effort.
Prayer:
Dear Father, it’s not always easy to live in peace with others, especially when strong opinions and behaviors are involved. Help me to really listen to others and to seek ways to diffuse difficult situations and conversations. Let your peace shine through me and to be a light in our troubled world. Amen.
– Betty Gossell
