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| Ah yes, the old Christmas fight! Great for my ulcers!! |
I know this will come as a shock to you, but in many situations, believe it or not, the best way to resolve a conflict is simply to overlook the personal offenses others bring your way.
Does the Bible recommend this approach? Indeed it does, quite highly actually:
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Prov. 19:11; cf. 12:16; 15:18; 20:3).
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out” (Prov. 17:14; cf. 26:17).
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8; cf. Prov. 10:12; 17:9)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2).
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13; cf. Eph. 4:32).
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Big fights sometimes (perhaps even often?) start as tiny irritations that spring from small misunderstandings that come from tired mouths that speak under stressful circumstances.
Ah, like during the Christmas holidays?
Bingo!
So friends, here’s my humble suggestion: Don’t start any more fights in 2014! Pretty novel idea, huh?
Look at these verses again. Any of them speak to you in a special way? Maybe write down the verse you like the best among these. You’ll have a head start on overlooking the personal offenses that I promise you will come your way as you gather together with family, friends, and church members in the days ahead…
Thanks for writing this! It hit me right on the head with something I was praying about!
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