Relational Peace

Harmonious relationships are a precious gift.

Who do you enjoy being with? I expect it is someone you respect, and who also respects you. You share personal joys and sorrows. You feel safe in their presence. You likely agree on the important issues of life. Your time together is peaceful.

But then there are other relationships where you are on your guard, with defensiveness on both sides. There are those who hurt you, and you can’t seem to get past it. Or, a barrier of jealousy or pride has been erected between you.

Whether a person is a good friend, an acquaintance, or someone you would prefer not to rub shoulders with, God wants us to live in harmony with one another—the BFFs, the agitators, and even the haters. He desires peace in our relationships. And, honestly, doesn’t that sound good?

The ball is always in our court. The choice is ours. Peace begins with us.

The Apostle Peter offers uncompromising truth in his first letter:*

• Be like-minded – agree on Biblical non-negotiables and a shared desire for Godliness.
  
• Be sympathetic – give the benefit of the doubt, respect individuality, and honor the unique experiences and personality of others.
  
• Love one another – not an option! You may need to start with Jesus’ command to “Love your enemy” and work up from there.
  
• Be compassionate and humble – care, be understanding, show kindness, swallow your pride.
  
• Repay evil with blessing – you were hurt, you suffered at their hand, you didn’t deserve such treatment. Neither did Jesus, and He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”  

Peter cites Psalm 34:14, with a clear-cut command and a bold challenge:

Seek peace and pursue it.

The choice is ours, and the benefits are eternal.

*1 Peter 3:8-9