Romans 12:18
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Relationships make up the world; families constitute the societies that form the nations of the Earth. These families are formed through relationships, either by blood or adoption. No person can survive on their own outside of their association or relationship with others. We know from the study of life that plants and animals interrelate and are dependent on one another for continued existence and survival. Most of God's instructions and commands are centered on relationships, either horizontally (our association with one another) or vertically (our relationship with God). As humans, we are bound to experience friction or conflict as we relate with one another. How we value our relationships is evident in the way we handle conflict with others. Conflict can make us lose or destroy valuable relationships and even disturb our sense of peace if we permit it. As believers, God wants us to respond differently in the face of conflict. It is true that we cannot control other people's feelings towards us, but we can control our response in our pursuit of peace. We should strive to ensure peace, even in situations when we are hurt and tempted to react. By controlling our words and conduct, we can encourage peace and not division.
Matthew 24:6
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 20:21
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Proverbs 27:15
A quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.