Just Trying to Get Along

In trying to deal with conflict, put yourself in the other person’s place. John Maxwell in his book Winning with People quotes educator and chemist George Washington Carver, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” Galatians 6:1-2, “Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out.”
 
While I do not want to condone or justify sinful behavior, at the same time I must admit to myself and to God that given similar circumstances, I could fall into temptation myself. As a result, the Apostle Paul is telling us to be gentle, forgiving, gracious. 
 
Have you ever sinned? Made a mistake? Misjudged someone? Spoke out of turn? Jesus said, “Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.” How would you want people to respond to your shortcomings?
 
Pray for the other person. The Bible lays great stress on this point. I have found this to be most difficult at times. Nonetheless, I have also found it to be refreshing. I know that when I pray for the other person, I am giving them over to God. He knows the truth about the situation. He knows who is right and who, might be wrong. He will deal justly with both the other person and with me. I can trust the situation to Him.
 
Let me remind you, Jesus prayed for those who were guilty of hanging him on the cross. Given the fact that he forgave those people, he can certainly give you the necessary grace to forgive your adversary.
 
Clifton Taulbert is one of my heroes. He is a black educator, author, and entrepreneur. He once said that when we get to heaven, we will no longer remember that we had been hurt while we lived here on earth. At the same time, those who had hurt us will no longer remember that they had caused us pain. I like that. The statement reminds us that pain and offense are temporary, they are products of the here and now. They will not carry over into heaven.  
 
Romans 12:18, “If you've got it in you, get along with everybody.” That is God’s goal for our lives. Let us make every effort to reach that goal. Let’s resolve to minimize interpersonal conflict. I am sure that would both please God as well as our fellow man.

The Redeemed Team