To participate in constructive conversations with others, be a peacemaker, rather than a fighter.
By a “fighter,” I’m talking about those who believe they must verbally fight, perhaps yell, and hurl lethal statements at the other to get their way. This type of fighting becomes a battle of egos, and whoever is the bigger beast, typically wins.
One ego fighting another is not the way Jesus showed his followers to settle disagreements. Jesus taught the method of love. He said, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NLT).
When another person is mad at us, or we are mad at them, anger, resentment, vitriol, and slander do not build bridges and mend wounds. It’s love that constructs healthy conversations and allows for an understanding to unfold that resolves differences.
There may be times when the other person appears to have no interest in being loved or finding peace, but that doesn’t mean we have to resort to negativity. We can still take the high ground and refuse to participate in the anger of mortal mind.
On the cross, Jesus forgave his persecutors. He didn’t get mad at them and fume over the injustice. He moved on in a consciousness of Love’s power and presence. We can do the same.
We do not have to fight, argue and verbally brawl when another wants us to fight. We can take a spiritual path and seek to be a peacemaker rather than a contributor to further hurt.
This doesn’t mean we allow abuse from another, for that is not fair for either. But it is a call to keep our thought clear of evil so that we can make wise decisions that keep us safe, and out of the reach of any evil wanting to pull us down.
Be a peacemaker and work to dissolve anger with love. It’s best for you and the other person. Love is always the best choice to make.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family” (Matthew 5:9, The Message).
This is very good advice, Evan, and it fits in so well with today’s Daily Lift!
“He moved on to the consciousness of love’s power and presence.” Beautiful post – thanks, Evan!
Well these were the perfect ideas for me this morning! Thank you!
Beautifully stated, Evan. Thank you. I’m still working on that specifically on how to state an idea without that idea being received as mean spirited.
Great ideas for me as I’m working on this currently with someone who feels I don’t respect them. And I feel hurt by what this person felt she had to say about me. Love, love, love.
Your blog was timed perfectly, Evan! I participated in a Small Business discussion this past Friday with a State Rep regarding legislation of deep concern. The general feeling of the meeting was one of frustration. Our Rep stated our voices were just not loud enough in government. Comforting to know that the “still small voice” of God is plenty loud enough! That’s my prayer!
Way to go!! When all others are too silent or too loud, feel the presence of “the still small voice” of God, flooding the Truth over all who are receptive and ready to listen. Solutions are “heard” loud and clear.
thanks chilesands, what a wonderful Truth that is !
Dear Evan, great topic– please check me on this. Mary Baker Eddy said, “For Jesus to walk the water was scientific, insomuch as he was able to do this; but it is neither wisdom nor Science for poor humanity to step upon the Atlantic until we can walk on the water.
Peter’s impetuosity was rebuked. He had to learn from experience; so have we. The methods of our Master were in advance of the period in which he personally appeared; but his example was right, and is available at the right time. The way is absolute divine Science: walk ye in it; but remember that Science is demonstrated by degrees, and our demonstration rises only as we rise in the scale of being.”(Mis. 359:15-26)
In light of Gandhi’s passive resistance– “Resist not evil,” “turn the other cheek” may be better instruction for those who demonstrate the Divine Science and not for those individualize by mortal mind. Mahatma, in retrospect, could have done better if he followed Mary Baker Eddy instead of Henry David Thoreau! Good day to all.
This post reminds me of something a friend shared with me: “When you refuse to react (to whatever), you removed the bridge over which it can reach you.”
Meant to say “remove”
Just what is needed. As I prepared for my Daughter’s visit this week I found that I could do all that was needed to be done, Getting spiritually prepared first and foremost. Which in the past was not anyways harmonious. Thank you Evan thank you Peggy.
Two bumper stickers on my car say, ALL ONE and JUST LOVE.
If you can during an argument say or think WPS. You can even laugh out loud. WPS is Weak Point Shout. The louder the shouting, the weaker may be the point the other fellow is trying to insist on. If you can see the ridiculousness in the shouting, you can laugh. If you laugh out loud (not at the other person but at the shouting ) you break the mesmerism. “My God. Rescue me from my enemies. They think they’ll never get caught. But you, God, break out laughing; you treat the godless nations like jokes.” Ps 59: 1, 8., The Message
Thank you all for your comments, very interesting.
Thank you Evan for another wonderful SpiritView I ponder.
At least all Christian Scientists should be peacemakers – Love is the solution! I am sure that also socalled non-CSlers are wonderful peacemakers.
I think that the following passage from Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy on page 72 is helpful, too: “Not personal intercommunion but divine law is the communicator of truth, health, and harmony to earth and humanity!” I love this passage as it shows us God, the all Good, as the powerful, yet tenderly loving and only lawgiver!