Live At Peace

It's no secret, women can be so catty! It's amazing how one incident can make our best friend into our worst enemy in a matter of minutes. I know that as I have matured some in life, I've learned that there is a way around this...

Romans 12:18- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

If you are anything like me, this can be a near impossible task for you. The verse says "all men". That's a lot of work! We all know people we can't stand, people that push "the button". Yesterday our pastor spoke about "the button". Everyone has one and it's the things people do and say that get you upset and angry.Oh I'll tell you where my button is (don't push it I'm warning you!). One things that drives me mad is when people correct me publicly, but especially when it comes to children. When I am in the middle of a family event, and I'm afraid to punish one of the kids because of what will be said to me, I just can't stand it! No matter what your button has behind it, the Lord instructs us to live at peace with the "pusher".

Sometimes when we have a disagreement with someone and the situation explodes, it can be very destructive! I know that I have caused damage and I have been on the receiving end of some painful situations! Being newly married, Dave and I have had our petty arguments. During one of these, I had nothing nice to say, so I opened my Bible for some hope. I knew the book of James talked about the tongue, and mine was having some trouble at the moment. This verse gave me a whole new perspective:

¹⁹Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19

I was so struck by this that I wrote it on my hand. I struggle with this more than anyone I know! I talk so much, it seems like I never shut up. But this verse gave me a really good reason to shut up. I think if you listen fully, then the words you use to respond are more effective! This verse is stuck in my head and I am doing my best live by it.

When it comes to the petty arguments and fights we have especially as women, we need to just let go. Maybe it's pride or a need to look "tough" or get the last word. Let it go. If you can't stand that person, just agree to disagree! It has a lot more power than it sounds like it does. We have multiple situations among even our family member where we disagree on major issues, but we CHOOSE to let it go for the sake of "peace with all men". I have seen some situations where people are so proud and refuse to let things go, almost like they don't like the peace and more crave conflict and division. Sad to see the results of this and how they effect people's lives.

This has been a jumbled bunch of paragraphs, but I really feel like we need to work on this as women. I myself have ended great friendships over the most ridiculous conflicts. It's all about maturity and maturity as a christian. Sometimes close friendships need to be ended for multiple reasons, but we are responsible to live at peace with them, as much as it is up to us.