Extraordinary Grace in Volatile Situations

 

Then Abner called to Joab,

"Shall the sword devour forever?

                 2 Samuel 2. 26

(It doesn't have to be this way.

We all have troubled

   relationships and situations.

But as Christ-followers,

   we can respond differently

   and in unexpected ways.

Revenge, violence, bitterness,

a lack of forgiveness, and

ammunition from past transgressions

           never end well.

But a change in our hearts

    can change the stakes.

God reveals a different way to live.

What are we bringing to the table?

May we be the first to extend

     an unexpected olive branch

         --an undeserved one.

Bring healing and peace instead

   to someone who

   doesn't deserve it.

It may be rejected or ignored,

  but it is an act of forgiveness

     on our part of the equation.

That changes everything.

Sometimes the fruit takes

   a long time to come forth.

But an orchard has been planted.

Make them homesick

      for what can be.)

O LORD,

Please help us to

   live differently in volatile places

   or even among those

       who choose animosity.

May we be the ones

    who live in Your grace.

Empower us with Your love

   to respond differently.

And to love

    as we have been loved by You.

No one wins an argument.

But everyone is impacted by grace.

What is the one thing?

That You are glorified, even in this.

Even in how we love others

         right to You.