From today’s Scripture: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”  — Mt 18:15

Here’s a challenge: How do we handle conflict? We’re already in the political season in the US, in a time when people are taking opposing sides everywhere. Polarized, working from one end against the other, is the keyword of our moment. Empowered and encouraged by our Facebooks, Twitters, and other social media, we seem to want to drag our grievances into the public.

Jesus cautions us not to do that. He advised that we only make our grievance public when there is no chance of private resolution. It seems unnecessary to call Jesus wise, but you have to admit this is wise advice. How much further might we go if we considered those who disagree with us through our loving eyes? How much less conflict in the world if we could quit fighting ugly and start talking lovingly in a closer environment than the internet? That would be called face-to-face, with healing rather than shaming purpose.

Let us pray: Lord, fill my heart with love today. Let me see with compassion, to hear with open ears, to think with an open mind.

Today’s author is John Feister, former Communications Director of Glenmary, now writing a novel set in Appalachia.

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