Living at Peace in Our Relationships

I recently had the privilege of joining my good friend Pastor Matt Jones on WMBC-TV’s Mountain Views to talk about something nearly all of us desire. Yet, we often struggle to experience peace in our relationships.

We want peace in our marriages, families, friendships, churches, workplaces, and communities. Yet misunderstanding, disappointment, hurt, and conflict can quickly leave us reacting in ways that create even greater distance.

In this conversation, we explore what Scripture teaches about pursuing peace, particularly from Romans 12 and Hebrews 12. Biblical peace is not simply the absence of conflict. Instead, it begins with a heart being transformed by the gospel. Then it shows itself in the way we respond to others.

One of the most freeing truths in Romans 12:18 is this:

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

God does not call us to control another person’s response. He calls us to faithfulness in our own.

I hope you will take a few minutes to watch the conversation above. Also, consider how God may be calling you to pursue peace in one of your relationships.

Questions for Reflection

1. Is there a relationship in my life where hurt, disappointment, or resentment has begun to shape the way I respond?
2. When conflict occurs, am I primarily focused on changing the other person? Or am I asking God to show me what is happening in my own heart?
3. What would it look like for me to pursue peace “so far as it depends on me”?
4. Is there a conversation I need to initiate, forgiveness I need to seek or extend? Or is there a reaction I need to change?
5. What would a response shaped by the grace of Christ look like in this relationship?

Want to Go Deeper?

Much of what prevents peace in our relationships happens in the moments between what we experience and how we respond.

That is exactly what we will explore in my upcoming free workshop. It is called Responding Instead of Reacting, and will be held on Thursday, September 10, at 8:00 PM Eastern.

We will look at what drives strong emotional reactions, how our thoughts and desires influence what we feel and do, and how to slow down before reacting. In addition, I will introduce the STOP Plan, a practical tool for creating space between strong emotion and action. This helps us learn to respond with greater wisdom, faithfulness, and self-control.

If you find yourself thinking, I know I should respond differently, but in the moment I keep reacting the same way, this workshop is designed to help.

I would love to have you join me.