Wiser and Happier: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Talking and Listening: Make peace Here’s a riddle for you: why are newspapers and playground bullies similar? Answer: because they both love a fight. Television and print editors gravitate to covering violence (“if it bleeds, it leads”). Voyeuristic spectators get a thrill out of others in combat: “Fight! Fight!” Anyone can start a fight. Anyone can continue a fight long after it should have been over. It is a trademark of Jesus’ followers to make peace. “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting and strife” (Proverbs 17:1). Our hero is the Prince of peace, who turned God’s withering judgment upon himself so that he could turn God’s forgiveness and mercy upon us. Are you willing to trust God that there is far greater satisfaction in ending a quarrel than in starting or continuing one? Are there two people in conflict in your life whom you could bring together today?