End the Conflict Now!

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12

When you hold on to resentment it feels like there’s a war going on inside you. You’re in a battle with yourself, as well as others. And the more you fight, the more ground you lose. Arguing just drains you of energy and leaves you more hurt and angry. You’re in a no-win situation. You struggle with who’s right and who’s wrong. You spend so much time trying to out-do, out-shout, and out-maneuver others that you lose your peace and joy. End the conflict now! Refuse to live this way another day. Don’t allow someone’s actions to determine your reactions. ‘Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour’ (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t become Satan’s next meal. Let the love and peace of God fill your mind so much that it overflows to others – including those who have upset you. Stop and think: do you really want to be like the person who hurt you? What would Jesus do? You know! He’d turn the other cheek (see Matthew 5:39). ‘But,’ you ask, ‘what about the wrong done to me?’ What about it? It’s not for you to impose judgment. There’s only one qualified judge; let Him handle it (see James 4:12). Ask God to help you to release your anger, turn the other cheek, and forgive the one who has done you wrong. Pray this simple prayer:

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I’m angry. Help me to let it go. I choose to be merciful. Thank You for giving me the grace to forgive the person who hurt me and to follow You. In Jesus’ Name Amen.