|
If you believe in anything
greater than yourself, then your faith tradition probably supports the wisdom
that peacemaking is good for your soul and good for the community. While the
following scriptural references are taken from the Christian Bible, the Mediator's
methods and techniques are consistent with all faith traditions. She is sensitive to
and respectful of the deeply held beliefs of all.
In making your determination
about how to handle your present conflict, consider the following instruction
taken from Bible [The Message Bible/Remix]:
“You‘re blessed when you can
show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you
discover who you really are, and your place in God‘s family.”
-Matthew 5:9
Work at getting along with
each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of
God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity.
-Hebrews 12:14
So let’s agree to use all our
energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words;
don’t drag them down by finding fault. - Romans 14:19
“If a fellow believer hurts
you, go and tell [them] -- work it out between the two of you. If [they]
listen, you’ve made a friend. If [they] won’t listen, take one or two others
along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.
If [they] still won’t listen, tell the church. If [they] won’t listen to the
church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront [them] with the need
for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love. . . . And when two or
three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I‘ll be there.”
-- Matthew 18:15-17, 20
|
