A Place to Thrive

There is no denying that some people seem to thrive on conflict. Wherever they go, they seem unusually adept at sowing dissension. Their preferred negotiating strategy is confrontation. They seem poised to contest every rivalry. Their path is marked by turmoil, discord, and confusion.

When you look more closely at the pattern of their lives, you may discover that they have a very low regard for the truth. Indeed, they are prone to play fast and loose with the facts. They see nothing wrong with withholding information that might weaken their position. If they can deceive their opponent, they seize that opportunity without hesitation.

Others who create division are focused entirely on their own welfare. They do not feel compelled to abide by the rules; although they may be quick to call their opponent to account for some minor infraction, if they believe it will benefit their cause. There is no hint of compassion in their understanding of justice. For them “justice” is whatever they can get away with.

You will be hard-pressed to find any evidence of grace in the lives of those who are always stirring things up. They may insist that others accept their point of view, but they have little regard—and even less sympathy—for the opinions of others. Mercy is a sign of weakness to them. They are always poised for the attack.

While you may be tempted to blame “those people” for the lack of peace in your life, it may be more helpful to work on improving your own primary relationships. You may want to consider your own tendency to create discord. A commitment to embrace grace, truth, and justice is an important step. In Psalm 85:10 “peace” is placed in the midst of these three key terms for understanding God’s love: “Grace and truth meet together; justice and peace kiss each other.”

Jesus wanted his followers to experience the reconciling love of God: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). In Matthew 5:9 Jesus blesses the peacemakers and promises them that they will be called “children of God.”

The truth is that people actually thrive where there is peace—God’s peace—the kind of peace that grows in the light of God’s love. May those who follow Christ allow that light to shine in their midst.