Waging Peace

The 'Rumor Mill' and 'Gossip Grapevine' are usually always working overtime. Often we don't know what to do when a situation falls into our lap. What do we do with what someone has said to us about someone else?

The following are some very helpful guidelines to ask before repeating something we've heard:
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
3. Is it worth sharing?
4. Is it for the building of the kingdom? Is it going to benefit the person?
5. Will Jesus be pleased with my motives?

The bottom line and simplest solution as I think about it is this: if someone says something to you about another person, take them to the person in question, and ask them to repeat whatever it is that they said. The idea is to "wage peace" wherever we go. To live in a spirit of reconciling friendship. That is what a community of hope is.

I love what the late Adrian Rogers used to say when he was offended or hurt by what someone said or did. Adrian would simply say “I just told Jesus on him.”

When Rogers was trying to stay unbiased in a conflict he added this bit of simple wisdom: “It takes a mighty thin pancake not to have two sides.”

Colossians 3:12-15
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.