Can't We All Just Get Along?

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Proverbs 17:14 NIV

I've known a few people in my lifetime who thrive on conflict. Being around them isn't very fun. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament teach us about the importance and blessings of peace. Jesus told us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Quarreling has never resolved an issue in the history of the world, yet we all fall into it from time to time.

So what should I do when someone is doing something incorrectly or someone has wronged me?

The Bible certainly teaches us the importance of accountability, discipline and rebuking. It really boils down to the way you handle the situation. I confess that I'm not perfect in this, but I really try to make this a priority in my life. We need to be able to confront someone in love without allowing our emotions to get in the way - doing it with gentleness and respect. Oh boy, that's convicting for me. I'm not always the most gentle person in the world. Sometimes I'm more of a bull in a china closet. Just ask my wife!

The other issue is knowing which issues are important enough to address. The truth is that there are just some things that aren't that important. We need to know when to confront and when to simply let go. One important lesson I've learned through ministry is to allow the Holy Spirit to do His job. It's not my job to convict someone of their sin. That's the role of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it's just better to be still and pray.