When we are faced with a recurring problem, we often just want it to be over and done with. We may have disagreed with another person many times and each one has stood their ground. It is at times like this that we may choose either to flee the situation because we are weary and have no fight left in us or lash out and fight with accusations, blame, and intimidation.
I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm. (Psalm 55:6-8 NIV)
Strong arguments exist because each person is unwilling to see the position from the other’s point of view. In our addiction we thought we had the right to live as we pleased. Those who cared for us knew we were harming ourselves and tried to discuss how our actions were causing grief for them. To avoid being confronted with situations that we were at least partly responsible for, fight or flight seemed our only options.
I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, according to their own thoughts. (Isaiah 65:2 NKJV)
In some situations, we should work hard at praying and saying nothing when we see the mess another is making. Choosing to go their own way may be the result of a rebellious spirit and until the person gets to a place of seeing the insanity of the situation, we are wasting our breath. If we choose to fight the battle we need to do so in love and not accusation. We need to find a way for the person to express what is going on inside them and patiently work with them from that point of view. If we act in anger, we will likely lose the battle.
For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to listen for Your wisdom and to understand the wonderful message of reconciliation in any dispute. Amen
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