The other day I began re-reading the story of Isaac. Isaac was a peaceable man. As a young child, Isaac allowed his father Abraham to tie him up, lay him on the altar and offer him up as a sacrifice. There is no record of him struggling or complaining. Another time we see his gentle spirit is when Isaac allows one of his father’s servants to choose his wife; he was forty at the time. Later in his life, when the herdsmen of Gerar came and filled up the wells he had dug (Genesis 26:18-22), he did not raise up an army and try to stop them. Instead he just dug more wells as the enemies continued to fill them. Isaac’s motto seemed to be, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). Isaac continued digging until there was no more conflict. He simply moved further and further away from the enemy. Isaac then thanked God for making room for him.
When we are presented with conflicts, do we immediately want to confront people or do we try to find a peaceable way to resolve the matter? We can’t control other people’s actions, but what we have to work on are our reactions. The Bible says, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). This may require much prayer and restraint for those of us who like to confront issues as soon as they come. I personally prefer to remain silent and take a couple of days to gather my thoughts. This allows me to calm down and not make a rash decision or lash out. Once I formulate what I would like to say and mull it over in my mind a few days, I can then talk about the matter in a calm manner.
I do understand that it is not always easy to live peaceably with everyone because not everyone is easy to get along with. But the Lord puts the burden on us to do as much as we can to make it possible. We must invest all the time and effort it takes to accomplish peace in our lives. Living peaceably is priceless!