Finding Peace Through Understanding

Over and over again, people of all colors, creeds, social strata, incomes, political leanings, and genders get caught up in heated arguments because they don’t really understand the comments, behavior and attitudes of others. How can we see the issues clearly when the facts are totally muddled or sensationalized by media? The underlying problem is that we don’t know each other and often assume the worst.

Jesus reacted to both friends and enemies by not just giving them the benefit of the doubt but by actually looking for and finding the best in them. What can we learn from this practice to help us avoid those common pitfalls? How can we employ the fruits of the spirit to find and create peace?

Right now, around the Muslim world, we see violent acts toward American embassies as a result of a trailer for a poorly made film which would never have had theatrical release. The film was not written, produced or directed by an American, but rather by an Egyptian Coptic Christian, pretending to be an Israeli Jew. It reveals how little is needed to generate worldwide pandemonium and to incite serious violence. The film was created to incite violence and sadly, it succeeded.

How often are these same sorts of tactics used to engender the hatred and indignation of one group against another? How often are we ALL guilty of reacting emotionally before we find out the full facts in a given situation?

How can we go about finding facts – actual usable data – when attempting to defuse a tense angry, or resentful situation? What sorts of attitudes can we cultivate to become real peacemakers in our own homes, families, groups & communities?

Please join us as we explore these issues. We'd love to take your call and hear your thoughts.