I turned around to face the sink as my husband brushed by me into the garage. I wanted to discuss when we would sit down for dinner, but he was busy working on a project. His curt response cut me to the quick.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll fend for myself this week,” he retorted as he disappeared back into his man cave.

The tears welled up in my heart as I thought about the load of groceries I’d just stuffed into the refrigerator. I’d spent several days menu planning, and now he was telling me he’d rather eat cereal alone.

My tears quickly turned to icy anger. We’d exchanged vows just four weeks earlier, and now I wondered if I’d made a mistake.

As I wrestled with my rollercoaster emotions, my oblivious groom stepped back inside to grab a piece of equipment. He saw me standing at the sink and nuzzled up in my ear. I felt completely suffocated. I wanted to throw the dirty dishes at him, but instead I responded by excusing myself to gain my composure.

Both my husband and I grew up in homes where the philosophy was “he who screams loudest wins.” Neither of us wanted to have a marriage established on selfish animosity, so we began studying the Scriptures to help us learn how to live peaceably with one another.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) You can’t create a happy haven unless you are willing to do the hard work of setting aside your selfishness and responding with meekness. Rather than pummeling each other with angry words, we can purpose to promote peace.

4 Ways to Promote Peace:

• Edify others and overcome evil with good.

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:13-14) 

• Endure people’s humanity with patient humility.

“…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

• Extend grace and resolve to forgive.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” (Hebrews 12:14-15)

• Encourage reconciliation and battle against resentment and bitterness.

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18)

As daughters of the King, we are called to be peacemakers. Rather than react in the flesh, we can turn to prayer, ask God to strip away our pride, and fill us with His supernatural love. We serve the Prince of Peace, and His Word will light the path and show us the way.

Let’s resolve to not push back, but instead to promote peace.

Keeping the Faith,

Lyli Dunbar enjoys singing silly karaoke in the car with her husband, digging into Bible study with the girls, and reading 12 books at a time. A writer, speaker, and Biblical Life Coach, her mission is to encourage the weary hearted with fuel for a wildfire faith. Stop by lylidunbar.com to grab faith fuel for your day or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Week 5 Challenge: Do you have relationships where peace is missing? How can you be a peacemaker in those relationships? Think about how forgiveness plays a big role in peacemaking. Do you have people you need to forgive? What steps can you take toward forgiveness and peace?

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You can order a Love God Greatly t-shirt or sweatshirt and 100% of your purchase will support the work we are doing around the world! Love God Greatly is fully supported by our community’s contributions. Purchasing Love God Greatly apparel will give you an opportunity to make a donation to our ministry and an opportunity to help us spread the word about our ministry as you wear your new gear! You have a great opportunity to make a difference in thousands of women’s lives around the world through your purchase!

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• Your friend from work who cannot find a local church to plug into…
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We’re thankful for you and your partnership with Love God Greatly. We are fully funded by your donations and are beyond grateful for your willingness to help women have access to quality Bible study resources, all over the world. One woman, one community, one nation at a time!

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Lyli Dunbar

Lyli Dunbar enjoys singing silly karaoke in the car with her husband, digging into Bible study with the girls, and reading twelve books at a time. A writer, speaker, and Biblical Life Coach, her mission is to encourage the weary hearted with fuel for a wildfire faith.