Peacemakers

the only thing I would add is that be willing to be teachable and see where you might be wrong…we as humans always think or “know” that we are right, but we may actually need to see or acknowledge and respect a different perspective and that things like lifestyle choices are rarely black and white or right or wrong. Being a good, open listener who walks in humility and respect goes far in peacemaking.

Beautiful message, just what I needed to hear. I am guilty of ranting too much, picking fights, and generally not holding back. Especially with the ones I love the most, which is just awful and embarrassing! Thank you for sharing.

I love this and I really needed this in this moment…I linked my blog here…thanks sara

Thanks Sara for this advice. It’s just what I’ve been thinking about over the past week having family together for the festive season and watching how everyone interacts. I’ve realised that I don’t want to interact with the other women in my family the way that we always have, with judgement and always so much advice about what the other should be doing. Listening is going to be my default this Xmas, though I’m sure that it is going to be hard work not to slip back into the habits of the past.

Sara, this is so true and we all need to be reminded at various times but especially when we are with our family’s at “special occasions.” Different members of the family have different expectations,emotions are high – often good emotions but that just makes for a deeper fall if “disturbed.” Relationships are what life is all about. The rest is just details. So focusing on being a peacemaker and enjoying your similarities is a huge encouragement for all of us.

I love that you are willing to teach us all through your life. Thank you. Merry Christmas!

definitely a timely reminder. Funny how something that should be a joyful celebration can often turn into a stressful event of high drama (why do we do this to ourselves?!) but I will definitely be remembering these wise words and trying to hold them in my heart over the coming few days. I think that special occasions, be they birthday,christmas, whatever, are never the right to time instigate a discussion on any sort of belief (not just spiritual, but eg vegetarianism, ecological ideas – just two that might well prove trigger points in our family) – I’m going to sit quiet and try to avoid the arguments and hope for a peaceful happy celebration of all the joyous things in life. With love xx

Sara,

I’m another ‘Sara(h)’ who always appreciates reminders like this. Thank you for sharing!

Btw, love your blog & love your hair!

xox Merry Christmas!
Sarah

Amen. Oh, my sweet sister! So many times I have crossed the foolish path and learned the errors of my mouth! My experience helped me in the past 2 years, glory and grace triumph. I needed this loving reminder. Strength is with the peace-maker.

My boyfriend and I are on opposite ends of the political spectrum. And he loves nothing more than to spin me up on some issue. Still we both always remember the love there. I would never want to have my views on anything become more important than my relationship.

The one thing I learned, after the death of my husband two years ago, is that people are the most important thing in your life. It’s the only thing that matters.

wonderful post. Just facebooked it. We recently had a ‘heated’ discussion on a yahoo group regarding a hot button topic. Lots of people not acting in love. Good to remember the fruit of the Spirit. Even when Jesus disagreed..and he did as you mentioned many times.. it was always in love. There were times when he was angry too! But the key is to listen to that Still Small Voice in what we should say and not our own emotions…pausing to listen first. nice post!