Relational Peace at Christmas!
Develop inner peace, relational peace, and discover ways to be a peacemaker
Relational Peace
It’s easier to be at peace with others once you have inner peace (I wrote about that in my previous piece). There are people who lash out, criticize, or make life difficult because of their own inner pain. Understand that their words and actions flow from pain within them, and they are using you to displace that pain. Don’t take it personally but be thankful that you can help them release some of the pain.
Be kind to all, especially difficult people, and express thoughts that you care about them and you are sorry they do not have joy or feel peace. Offer to pray for or with them.
Set some guidelines for yourself to work on peaceful relationships, as you cannot change people.
Let others know that you will not respond to criticism or topics that you have set as off limits for the holidays. When they try to engage in those topics, simply smile, thank them for sharing, and stop engaging (walk away if possible). Or change the topic with a question such as “What’s a happy memory?” “What’s your favorite holiday song?” or “What’s your favorite holiday food?”
Be willing to laugh at your mistakes and mishaps. Embarrassing moments pass, and we can get through problems. Trust God to guide you.
Forgive others even if they do not want to accept it. Your part is to forgive if someone hurt you, and to seek forgiveness if you hurt someone. If the person does not accept your forgiveness, know that God does and move on. Do not let their anger or unforgiveness control you.
Serve others and give to the poor as God will bless such actions.
Clear your heart about someone with whom you have trouble getting along. Release any anger, regret, or other negative emotions.Think of ways to show kindness and to bless them.
View people through God’s eyes. See the inner child who is lashing out because they are hurt and broken. They often act like a young child who wants their way and will have temper tantrums because they are broken.
Don’t be hurt with words that may not have been intended to hurt. Avoid replaying words that hurt. Don’t make up a story about what you thought someone meant. Ask what the person meant or ask what’s happening in their life.
Accept that some people will not change. Let go of the dream that they will change and know that only God can heal them. Hold onto the truth of God’s love and acceptance for you.
May you have a blessed and peace-filled Christmas and New Year! Remember God loves you!
Give a gift of peace! with a gift from the peace shop!
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