Peacemaking

Yesterday Mac and I went to Waterville to attend a Peacemaking seminar with Ken Sande, the author of "The Peacemaker". It was a great time and a great refresher. It was great to network with other pastors and churches including some old friends. The day brought back vividly the reality that peacemaking is the gospel with feet on it. Too many Christians talk the talk but when conflict comes, they are more interested in winning and prevailing in their way than in peacemaking. I think that is even harder for people in a leadership position because pride makes it hard for them to take the steps that true peacemaking requires. It is sad to see Christians who will quickly claim they have been wronged, will fight the fight, and will harbor anger, unforgiveness, resentment, and stop communicating during and after the conflict. When we fight against conflict, we miss the chance to be taught by what God is doing and benefiting from conflict. My wife and I have conflict (both being human and all :) ) and we have to work through the conflict each time, communicating even while hurt, until we reach an understanding. We have never failed to do that and as a result, all our conflicts have been good for us. I will say that even as I have had conflict with others who have never chosen to work through it, the principles of peacemaking and the counsel of Godly men have allowed me to not be scarred or hardened by conflict and the actions of others, but instead softened by God and made more understanding of others. I long for the day that all relationships will be restored. It may take heaven, but the day will come. :)