The other day a friend told me a sad, but funny story about his family. When his Great-grandmother passed away many years ago, she wore her wedding ring during the viewing at the funeral. The ring was supposed to be passed to his Grandmother. Let’s just say that’s not how it went down. After the funeral was over, his great uncle’s wife actually stole the ring! As you can imagine this split the family up and neither side has spoken to each other in almost 40 years! People can be crazy!
During this holiday season, you will most likely be spending time with family. And family can be difficult. Often that make Christmas difficult. Family gatherings can be incredibly challenging because of things that have been done or said in the past. You may have to see that person that never apologized. You may have to be around that person that always seems to be inappropriate around the children. Unfortunately, many families only count the holiday gathering as a “win” if a fight doesn’t break out!
Is there any way to have more peace? Yes! In fact, that is what Christmas is all about. Jesus has come, not only to take away our sin but to show us a new way to live. He offers us a new kind of life. A new way of being. He is not only the Savior of the world but also the Master Teacher. If we follow his teachings we are sure to find the life he promised.
How to Bring More Peace
1. Treat others how you would like to be treated.
This has been called the golden rule. Jesus actually said it like this, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” Matthew 7:12. This is perhaps the most powerful, impactful, transformative statement concerning human relationships ever spoken. However, by looking around at the world, we can conclude that it is also the most ignored statement. His words are simple, yet very hard to apply. And that is our problem, isn’t it? We simply don’t want to treat people with the respect, honor and dignity we desire. We would rather treat people according to what we think they deserve. But this rarely brings peace.
If we want more peace in our relationships we would be wise to allow the way we desire to be treated to determine how we treat others. I believe we would be shocked to see just how many relationship tensions would be resolved and prevented in the first place.
2. Treat others the way Jesus has treated you.
If you are a Christ follower, Jesus has not dealt with you according to your sins. He took the penalty for you by dying on the cross. Jesus has forgiven you freely and completely. And his one motive was love (Romans 5:8, I John 4:9).
The apostle Paul was familiar with Gods grace. He wrote about his experience this way, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” I Timothy 1:14. God had forgiven him much. What Paul learned about grace and forgiveness was taught to him directly by Jesus. Listen to the words of Paul inspired by the Spirit of Jesus, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” Colossians 3:13.
When we remember how the Lord has forgiven us, freely and completely because of his love, we can then extend that same grace to others. When we forget, we will withhold grace and settle for bitterness, grudge-holding, and hurt.
Who do you need to begin treating differently?
What can you do to help remind yourself of just how much Jesus has forgiven you?
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