Hello ,

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  James 3:18

"Shake hands and say that you're sorry." It was an admonition that my mother told me when I got into a "knock-down-drag-out" fight with the pastor's son from our church. 

We were both 13 years of age, full of vinegar, and had been passionately rolling around on the floor; punching, scratching, and kicking at one another; trying to get the best of each other, and arriving at an angry, sweaty stalemate of sorts. 

Mom separated both of us, and sent me with my older brother to go to town until I had properly cooled off. I was neither sorry, nor willing to shake hands, and (looking back), I can see that she was thoroughly disgusted with me for the way i was fighting with a guest.

My older brother began to drive, looked over at me and said, "Fighting with the pastor's son, huh?"  I nodded and stated flatly, "He started it."

My brother then said something to me that shook me to the core. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself. That's guy's dad is dying of cancer, and he's probably so frustrated about it that he doesn't know what to think."

That was a thought that had never even crossed my mind. our pastor (my friend's father), had received a diagnoses that was terminal, and his son had been staying with us for a while while their family sought treatment. It had never occurred to me that he might be truly hurting about this information, and was lashing out at me.

I began to see things in a brand new light. After mulling this new idea over, it dawned on me that if I was in his situation, and my father was struggling with his health, that I would be on edge as well. 

My heart began to melt, and I returned to me parents home feeling truly sorry for what I had done. I hesitatingly walked into our home and with tears in my eyes stuck out my hand and told my friend that I was really sorry for fighting with him.

He immediately forgave me and said, "That's okay, I started it. It wasn't your fault."

Making peace with my friend made me feel so much better, and throughout the years I have been reminded over and over again, that everyone that we meet on a daily basis may be going through something that is devastating to them on a personal level. 

Making peace can sometimes be a challenge, but it can help us on our spiritual journey. God calls us to it, and will equip us to get it done correctly with those whom we struggle with.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word