“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19)
Jesus told us that offenses will come; but great peace have they that love God’s law and no offense will cause them to fall (Ps. 119:165). How much do we love and pursue peace? If we were more attuned to the Holy Spirit we would not only have more peace in our heart, but we would be more at peace with those around us.
Are we willing to learn from God how to wage peace? Blessed are the peacemakers – blessed because they have received wisdom from above. Where others break-up, they make-up. Where others remain in uncomfortable division and strife, they dwell in good and pleasant unity. God teaches His children how to get along with their brothers and sisters, and in His family there is blessed harmony. “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children” (Isa. 54:13).
What is the first lesson God teaches those who are learning the art of peace-making? Humility – to examine one’s self before pointing the finger. Those who won’t be wrong, can’t be right. “Only by pride cometh contention …” (Prov. 13:10). Unbending pride forms the bars of the castle of contention. Pride is the main impediment to progress. It keeps things at a standstill. When we are willing to humble ourselves, and acknowledge where we have hurt or offended another, we have made the first steps toward reconciliation.
We are called, if possible, to live peaceably with all men. Pride makes such peace impossible. If others are determined to be for war, that is on them. But we must be for peace. To that end, be willing to initiate the peace-process by humbling yourself. See yourself through God’s eyes, and do your best to see the perspective of another. You may end up with a friend instead of an enemy.