In dealing with people and maintaining relationships, whether that be a sacred family bond, marriage or just friendships in general, sometimes it can be easy for unnecessary words to slip. When we get easily angered or frustrated, it suddenly becomes easy to ‘throw in the towel.’ But how much courage and grace does it really take to look beyond times of disharmony and frustration? How much composure and self-will does it take to look beyond times of wrongdoings in order to preserve these relationships that mean a lot to us?

Being dictated by our flesh can be awfully dangerous. It’s effortless and unchallenging to maintain peace when there is no friction standing in the way. Now, think about how many times you’ve wanted to yell, act out and do deeds that only create more tension between you and a loved one, simply due to ego? When God’s promises and the Holy Spirit guide us, there is no room for ego, selfishness, abomination, anger and loathe. So now, in times of feud and disagreement, my action step has become to quickly bounce back to the Bible. What better way to eliminate contention than to go back to the Creator’s words, which breathe out nothing but love? After all, shouldn’t we constantly be refreshing our minds and going to Him for a consultation before we make any hasty decisions? Let’s be reminded yet again of what true and eternal love really is – the type that defies any obstacle, which stands in its way.

1. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

2. Ephesians 4: 31-32

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

3. Galatians 5: 22-26

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

4. James 4: 6

“Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”

5. Romans 12: 14-16

"Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not persecute them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other."