Dealing with conflict

 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ~Romans 12:18

According to the King James Bible Dictionary peace can be defined as "an state of tranquility or quiet, free from disturbance or agitation ass well as freedom from quarrels.  The Bible tells us in Romans 12:18 that if it is possible, as far as it depends upon us, to live at peace with everyone.  This includes those sandpaper individuals, you know the ones that just rub us the wrong way.  So how do we go out about living in peace with people who are about the drama, or just clash with our personalities and sensibilities?

First we humble ourselves. Romans 12:3 tells us, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. "So we do no go around thinking that we are better then them.  We seek good intentions and  assume the best if possible, letting God handle the rest.

We forgive.  Ephesians 4:32 tells us to "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  We put ourselves in their shoes.  We remember that sometimes we have said the wrong thing or been misperceived/misunderstood.  We love and be kind.  We let pettiness go and pick up our cross.  We walk with God and our fellow man in unity and extend grace.  We treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31).

Father, help us to emulate You and walk in peace.  Let us love and forgive.  Let us remain humble and a servant.  Help us to extend grace as you have extended grace to us, being kind to our neighbors.  Let us be the fragrance of You.  In Jesus name.  Amen