Monday, September 21, 2009

Pursuing Peace - At What Cost?


... les vagabondes ...!!!Image by Denis Collette...!!! via Flickr
 
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness - without it no one will see the Lord. 
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many.  Hebrews 12:14-15 (HCSB)


What are the words Peace, Holiness, Unity, Fellowship, Harmony worth to you? 

What are you willing to say or do to obtain these?


Will you say, "I'm sorry" even if you did not strike the first blow?  Can you lay down your pride, hurt, anger, frustration and say, "I forgive you" even if  the offender never asks?"

Tonight I witnessed the airing of some dirtly laundry in a very public forum between two women of faith.  I don't know the circumstances that stirred up the family turmoil.  I only know that while checking my page, I became an unwilling participant in something that I shouldn't know anything about. 

Please know my heart here.  My heart is grieved for these women and their families  My heart is grieved for the people who commented and were caught up in the tidal wave of emotions.  My heart is grieved for the words spoken, that can never be taken back.  My heart is grieved because the Holy Spirit of God has been grieved by the entire situation.

The writer of Hebrews describes Peace and Holiness as something to be pursued - something to seek after eagerly, earnestly.  Will you join me in lifting up these dear ladies in prayer?  Pray that their hearts will pursue peace and holiness?  Please know that I make no judgements here on anyone involved.  I truly live by the saying, "But for the grace of God, there go I." 

My hearts desire is to see their hearts softened, their families reconciled, and that in the midst of all of this turmoil - somehow God would be glorified.  Will you pursue peace with me on their behalf in prayer?
 

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I do join you in praying for these ladies. I want God's peace and holiness in my life. Actually, it is already there. God has given me everything.

The question is, Do I yield to Him?

I hope you will visit my blog sometime. I enjoyed reading yours. How did you get your blog to have 3 columns?

Sheryl

Cindy said...

This speaks to right where I am. It's something I struggle with.

Jane In The Jungle said...

YES, amen sister!

Anonymous said...

I'm struggling with it too. Thanks for the encouragement that sometimes we may need to apologize even when we are not sure that we are wrong for the sake of the relationship. That is what I'm dealing with now. Thanks for the encouragement. Jenny

Beth Herring said...

Wisdom that we all need to ponder upon! THanks for this today Lisa.

Nana Jul said...

Joining with you in prayer right now for the women you mentioned, and for all of us! Ps. 109:6 Save us and help us with your right hand that those you love may be delivered!

Laura said...

You can count on me to stand with you in agreement here...I didn't see anything but heard about it..I've chosen to pray over it as well and to know that God's grace and mercy can cover ANYTHING..I love you, my sista and I thank you for showering God's word over this...

LisaShaw said...

The enemy LOVES to divide God's people.

I am praying for the two women involved.

Love ya.