It’s natural to have conflict in any relationship. Even within ourselves, we’re often conflicted, where part of us wants to do this and another part of us wants to do that. And so a healthy relationship is not the absence of conflict, but rather is marked by our willingness to be true peacemakers in our relationships.
Peacemakers
Being a true peacemaker is one that assertively and proactively seeks to address the conflicts at hand to honor the heart of all those involved. However, our tendency is to swing from one extreme to the other.
Peace breakers
On the one hand, we are essentially peace breakers…where instead of seeking true peace, we are essentially pushing our own agenda, becoming overly aggressive to simply get what we want, even if at risk the relationship itself.
Peace fakers
On the other hand is than those that fake the peace…that seek to avoid conflict at all cost. While on the surface things may seem calm, it is faking the peace because it’s not truly addressing the issues at hand. And so bitterness and resentment start to take root beneath the surface.
Blessed are the peacemakers
Being a true peacemaker, again, is one who is willing to actively address the issues at hand, seeking to honor the heart of all those involved. As Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.”
