Randy and I raised three children.  Daughter, son, daughter, in that order.  The son was quiet which we soon learned to watch more closely rather than just listen for trouble when they were playing outside or inside.  He thought it great sport to instigate a war between his sisters, then sit back a watch.  We laugh about that, now.  For the most part they got along with each other and each other’s friends.  But when weariness set in or they were “hangry”, their attitudes toward each other, like all young children, would test the limits of all boundaries set by their parents with;

“Mom, she’s breathing on me!”  “Again.”

“Dad, she’s on my side on the car; clearly over the imaginary line of my personal space!”

“She took the biggest piece.” “And why are eating this again?”

“He just took his toys and left us with none.”

“She used my towel to clean dry up the spill!” 

“He said I was annoying, what does that mean?”

“I’m NOT at maximum comfort in this car.”

“Why do we have to take naps?” “Ugh.”  (Parents all know the litany of answers to that one!)

As believing parents we rely on the love of God in us along with His Holy Spirit’s power to parent our children from birth to adult. We don’t always get it right; but we keep trying to learn.  By the time they reach adulthood and on their own, we wish sometimes for a do-over because of all the lessons we learned in parenting our children. 

Believing parents teach, show and tell examples, and point them ever to what Jesus taught in Scripture so our young children with develop the skills it takes to get along not only with each other but as building blocks of character to relate to others on their journeys in life. 

Most times we see the fruits of teaching work beautifully; but there are times that the quarreling tests our abilities to reason. But as I look back, I remember the times when strangers would complement our kids on their behaviors with observing how well they got along with each other.  I do know this, they would, to this day as adults, come to the rescue for each other with no hesitation!  As adults, they still help each other in all kinds of ways—including moving families from one house to another.  Moving is the true test of love and care!  As a family, we have all helped each other move, clean, paint, mow, borrow cars when needed, pick up children or drop them off, without a second thought to our own agendas.  I thank God for our children and their spouses. I thank God for our grandchildren who have “inherited” the legacy of being helpers, not only within our family but for other families within their communities.  I thank God for Jesseca, Samuel, and Carrie.  I thank God for Randy who fathered well.

Psalm 133, The Message

A song of ascents. Of David.

^1-3 How wonderful, how beautiful,
    when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil
    flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard,
    flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon
    flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing,
    ordains eternal life.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Many ask and ponder the big question of all people of all nations— “Why can’t we just get along?” God smiles as He watches the true unity of His children just like a parent sighs contentment and joy when their kids get along. But guess what, it’s not just about pleasing God or each other—it’s the peace that dwells in us when we set aside our own interests for the interests and agendas of others. (Like Jesus demonstrated, Philippians 2)

Where does this peace come from? The Prince of Peace is the Source of all peace.  God’s Word teaches;

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” –Apostle Paul to the church then and applicable to us now.  Romans 12:18

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” –Paul, Colossians 3:15

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”—Jesus, The Source of Peace, John 14:25-27

The difference between Biblical peace versus worldly peace:

• Worldly Peace: The world offers peace that depends on good luck, safety, or things going well. It can change or disappear fast when trouble starts.
• Jesus’ Peace: His peace is a deep gift inside a person. His peace stays strong even when life is hard, scary, or sad.  He is our strength to maintain peace when we debate and disagree with others.  Jesus at the center is peace, the Prince of Peace, who maintains our peace when we call on His Name.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7, ESV

Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love, is the strength and wisdom we need to live in peace with each other.  We do not have to agree to love each other in Christ Jesus.  That is the beauty of surrendering and allowing the peace of Christ to rule our hearts, minds, and souls!

Finally, we must remain faithful to the Lord, and be united in Him.  The peace of Christ is meant to unite (not untie or divide) the Body of Christ, acting as an arbiter or governing principle in believers’ relationships.

Think about it—God made peace with us with blood of Jesus!

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20

THIS is the secret—

“For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.”—Colossians 1:27, NLT

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, lives in us who believe, repent, surrender, and follow in His Name for His Glory!

Lord,

Thank you for your psalms of conviction, correction, comfort, compassion, that compel us to love, honor, trust, and obey you with all that is in us—with the Help and Power of your Holy Spirit living in us!  We seek peace, your peace, to rule our hearts always.  It is your peace that is the most beautiful of all!

In Jesus Name, Amen