When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7, ESV)
Yes, all you Links Players study guide scholars are correct. You saw this proverb back at the end of June. Like me, though, maybe you could use a refresher course on this most important lesson. When we talk through these study guides in my several weekly Links Fellowships, I glean from so many different people who have experienced life in a variety of ways. This lesson was no exception.
In life, we find a common theme today—division and turmoil and misunderstanding. Jeff Hopper has described this as “the Age of Boisterous Disagreement.” It is not just politics but involves interpersonal struggles. These interpersonal struggles are not just with people who vehemently disagree with God’s message; they involve close friends and family and associates who see things differently.
So, do you want to be wise and inherit a blessing? It is easy to be wise with those who love you and agree with you. That takes no effort. But what about those who oppose you? The Message paraphrase sheds light on this dilemma: “Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).
Then Jesus piles on in his Sermon on the Mount: “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same?” (Matthew 5:46, ESV).
How can we live these instructions?
It’s likely that in praying for their enemies, some in the early church ‘foolishly’ prayed for Saul, their persecutor. Look how that turned out!
A very wise man spoke up in one of our Links Fellowships on a Saturday morning. I took notes. I studied and reflected, and I think I have developed a great three-point sermon compliments of Charley. His words really impacted me, and I share them with you.
1.You will never win the argument. Never. Accept that fact and live your answer.
2. We are all a part of the problem in any interpersonal conflict. Everyone has to take some responsibility for the conflict. Even if you have just a very small part, you are still a part of the problem, because you are a member of the human race.
3. That all seems like bad news. What about the solution to these conflicts? Here is the best answer and maybe the only answer: Pray. Pray as you ask the Holy Spirit for help. Pray for the right words to say through the Holy Spirit. And then pray that the Holy Spirit will intercede and God’s will be done. It’s likely that in praying for their enemies, some in the early church “foolishly” prayed for Saul, their persecutor. Look how that turned out! He became Paul and authored much of the New Testament, while enduring much persecution himself. So pray that seemingly impossible prayer in the strength of the Holy Spirit and allow the Spirit to intercede in others and then leave the results to the Holy Spirit. Done correctly, we then know who gets the credit.
Thank God in advance for allowing you to be a part of the solution in these difficult relationships and boisterous disagreements. Pastor Timothy Keller says, “In the end, we love people into belief. We do not argue them into belief.” I like that, because it leads with love, just as Jesus always did.
—
Randy Wolff
September 6, 2021
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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