Peace Challenge

Within the gospel of Matthew, the first righteous character we encounter is Joseph.  Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt prior to Gabriel’s appearance and announcement?  Prior to the angel’s visit, the only explanation for Mary’s pregnancy was adultery.  Yet Joseph does not wish to punish Mary and make her suffer public shame.  He had chosen to end their engagement quietly.  He had every right to submit her to public condemnation, even stoning.  But being in the right – acting within one’s rights – is not necessarily right.  Rightness and righteousness are not one in the same. 

Do you have an unresolved disagreement with someone?  You feel confident you were in the right… and perhaps you were.  But how’s that working for you?  We don’t experience much peace in the midst of a stalemate.  This week, if you have any unresolved disagreements, reach out to the other person with a note or an email.  Ignore the issue of right or wrong and simply let them know that you would like to clear the air and be reconciled.  Let them know that you value your relationship more than the issue over which you disagree.

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