Let Peace Rule

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

No one handles conflict perfectly, and if we did, maybe it wouldn’t be called conflict. But it is one of the most stressful feelings in the world to feel as if I am crawling across thin ice with a friend or family member. I wonder, did I say the right things? Was I too harsh, or too spineless? Did my anger bleed into gossip? Am I going to lose a very important relationship in my life?

When I experienced some conflict this week, comfort arrived through Colossians while I hovered in the anxious land between division and reparation. Colossians 3:12-15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

I pray that the peace of Christ takes the throne in my heart, and that every word, action, and thought will then flow through that peace. As long as Christ’s peace dictates my expressions, I can remain calm and confident that God will work through any conflict for my good. Not only that, but Christ is a “friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).” If you are struggling with a relationship in your life this week, take a deep breath – remember that you have God’s peace. You have His friendship. And you have His neverending love! No matter who you may lose or how you act, He will never cease loving you. The ice beneath your feet might crack, but Christ will keep you above water.