Lately I have been in an emotional battle dealing with decisions and consequences. I had been chastising myself for going in circles over someone who didn't deserve any space in my head or heart. And yet he did. I couldn't understand why I was tormenting myself to make things right and clear the air. I had been praying for answers and patience to wait for them and today it became so very clear. I was seeking peace because peace is a gift that should be shared with those around us. Mark 5:9 tells us that "blessed is the peacemaker", meaning we will be rewarded for intentionally bring peace to our relationships. However it is not easy because peacemakers are those who turn the other cheek (v.39), go the extra mile (v.41), and love their enemies while praying for those who persecute them (v.44). Applying this to my circumstance, he may be comfortable with the distance and disdain that he created and harbors, however he will be stuck there. He will not grow from it. I, on the other hand, will be greatly rewarded for choosing to promote peace during his persecution. That's what Jesus would do!
But it doesn't end there. My lesson was not intended to motivate me to press and press and press my peace on someone who doesn't want to accept it. The offer is there, and there it will remain until he decides he is ready to grow. The true lesson in this shakedown was God allowing stormy circumstances to shake loose the things I have been refusing to release, similar to a mighty wind that brings down the dead limbs from a tree. Now that the mess is no longer attached, I can clean it up and get rid of it. Again, That's what Jesus would do!
