Pursuing Peace in a World of Hurt
The Bible encourages us to “pursue peace with all men” (Hebrews 12:14), but what does that really mean? It means taking the initiative to make things right, even when it’s hard. It means acting on behalf of heaven, rather than letting anger and hurt dictate our actions.
The Challenge of Reconciliation
However, we must be realistic. When we reach out to someone who has been deeply offended, they may not immediately respond with open arms. In fact, Scripture warns us that “a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city” (Proverbs 18:19). Trust must be restored, and that process can be painful for both parties.
A Lesson from a Feathered Friend
I learned a valuable lesson about relationships and reconciliation from an unlikely source: a pet conure. My wife and I were taking care of our daughter’s bird, India, which was hostile and aggressive towards us. Despite its attacks, my wife continued to show love and kindness to the bird, even when it hurt her. Slowly but surely, the bird began to trust her, and eventually, it perched lovingly on her shoulder.
The Power of Unconditional Love
The problem with the bird wasn’t aggression, but fear. My wife’s unconditional love and willingness to be wounded allowed trust to be established. She won the heart of that little bird one wound at a time. This experience taught me that trust is not an accident; it’s the result of love that pays a price.
God’s Example of Love
Isn’t this the way God has dealt with us? He came to us, yet we repeatedly wounded Him. Instead of retaliating, Jesus prayed for forgiveness. He proved over and over again that His love is safe, that He is not our enemy. His kindness leads us to repentance, and He repeatedly shows Himself trustworthy, merciful, and loving.
Our Call to Love
As God has been to us, so He wants us to be towards others, even those who may appear hostile and alienated from us. Paul tells us that “love suffers long” (1 Corinthians 13:4). We must be willing to let ourselves be wounded, even repeatedly if necessary, in pursuit of healing relationships. We must prove, not just in word but in deed, that our love is real and our hearts are trustworthy.
The Path to Healing
Only when trust is established can healing begin. Whether we face divisions in families, churches, or in racial conflicts, we must be willing to take the initiative to make things right. By doing so, we can create a foundation for healing and restoration, and ultimately, pursue peace with all men.
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