(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Have you ever been in a situation in which there wasn’t conflict, but you could sense that it was coming? A moment when there was some level of unease or tension, but everybody present just pretended like everything was OK?
The simple reality is that we all experience these moments. And when they happen we immediately have to consider how to respond. Do we raise our hand and say something, or do we just continue to sweep it under the rug?
These moments show us that peace is so much more than a lack of conflict. While there may not be open conflict, the unspoken tension reveals the lack of true peace.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
1 Peter 3:11
This passage reveals that ongoing peace in our relationships with God and others takes effort. Peace isn’t merely a lack of conflict. It’s identifying anything that can be hindering personal and relational health and taking the necessary steps to overcome those barriers. Avoiding tough conversations or having them in an unhealthy way isn’t helpful. Instead, make ongoing efforts to experience and maintain peace with others.
READING & JOURNALING:
Think of a time when somebody else worked really hard to maintain peace with you. What was that experience like?
In what ways do you need to work to maintain peace with others today?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I pretend everything is OK and don’t take the difficult steps to work for real peace. Moving forward, help me have the wisdom to know when not to avoid difficult conversations. Similarly, help me have the wisdom to have these conversations in a godly, healthy way. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
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