The word pursue is a tired word. To pursue is to seek after, to follow with the intent of overtaking, to continue to investigate, to discuss…. all this reflects constant movement. Apply pursuit to peacemaking and you see why tiredness, no, weariness is a cloak.

Both Peter and Paul, apostles whose works are found in the New Testament put pursuit with peacemaking. Paul in Romans 14:19 in the context of living in unity with other Christians who have different views on what are supposed to be non-essentials. He writes that we are to “pursue what makes for peace and the mutual upbuilding..” And Peter writes that one key to a long and fruitful life is to “seek peace and pursue it..”(1 Peter 3:11) I want to say to him, “Yeah right!! Have you not been in the middle of a conflict? It seems to shorten life, not prolong it..”

I think my current tiredness is breeding a bit of cynicism. I know some rest from recent challenges in my church family will refresh my spirit. And I need to be reminded of these words of wisdom from Scripture. The issue still remains to be, how to find ways to maintain the pursuit and see it as a part of life that is joyfully long and prosperous.

As I sort through my fatigue I am coming to some realizations. One is, that in the area of friendships, both with Christians and non-Christians, it is sometimes best to end the relationship. Some people just do not want peace. Again the words of Paul a few lines before the above text, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”(12:18). Sometimes it is simply not possible because it does not always depend on me. No matter how hard I try, peace is not welcomed, the hurt is chosen to remain, the feelings nurtured and even enjoyed and, pride in personal positions unyielding. I am finding that there is a difference between loving and liking. I am always to love, but does that mean that I like the person? Or, should I desire to be around them? I do not think so.

Love goes beyond the feeling of love to the commitment of the relationship. Love always endures, helps when needed, forgets a wrong, etc. But that is not always reciprocated and that is where I see a distinction. I WILL always love but a close relationship, hang out time friends, deep soul-uniting conversations….? No, that is not possible with all people and it is this realization that begins to bring rest to my peacemaking frazzle.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 at 7:37 am and is filed under Ministry Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.