Peace at any price?
[From The Bible in One Year: Peace at any price? In Touch Magazine] "God wants our relationships to be peaceful. Yet He understand human nature and knows there will be people with whom a believer cannot live in harmony. According to Scripture, Christians are responsible to resolve conflict with their fellow man, but that does not mean pursuing tranquility at any price.
Keeping peace among family, coworkers, or friends sometimes requires going to great lengths. Scripture sets guidelines for frequent forgiveness (Mt 18:22), godly methods of correction (Mt 18:15-17), and right attitudes toward enemies (Lk 6:27-29). All of these principles run counter to human nature; the only way to successfully apply them is through the power and grace of Jesus Christ.
Despite our best efforts, however, peace is not always possible. When our overtures are repeatedly rejected, ending the quest may be appropriate. Or, if harmony is possible only by violating Scripture, we must refuse to compromise. An attitude of "peace, no matter what" can affect our sense of personhood, as genuine feelings are repressed--resentment and hurt get buried for the sake of pretending that all is well. The result will likely be either emotional turmoil (which can manifest as a physical illness) or an explosive release of frustration. Neither is healthy or holy.
Harmony that requires people to suppress their personhood is false peace--their hearts continue to churn with unexpressed emotion and constantly evolving plans to avoid conflict. Instead, approach others honestly and live in true peace "if possible, so far as it depends upon you" (Ro 12:18)."
Have you experienced this with a friend, family or co-worker? Have you had to discontinue communications with him/her? Or, has a Christian had to discontinue communications or a relationship with you?1 Cor 5:5, Mt 7:6.
Response to comment [from other]: "We are supposed to.serve every person, enemy or.neighbor. and that service is inherent in agapao. If your love doesnt have service with it, its not agapao [sic]."
Your agape is sloppy (Jn 12:40).
Response to comment [from a Christian]: ""An attitude of "peace, no matter
what" can affect our sense of personhood, as genuine feelings are
repressed--resentment and hurt get buried for the sake of pretending that all is
well."
Such repressions cause explosions of anger and violence, making it only a short
step from peace to war. Dangerous stuff, there."
"Just squeeze your rage into a bitter little ball and release it at an appropriate time--like that day I hit the referee with a whiskey bottle." ~ Homer Simpson