How You Can Be a Peacemaker

Carl and Sam were at odds with each other. They could not even
remember the initial cause of friction … but their hostility had
festered through the years. A deeply concerned deacon prayed that
God would use him as a peacemaker.

He called on Carl. “What do you think of Sam?” he asked. “He’s the
sorriest guy in town!” “But,” countered the deacon, “you have to
admit that he’s a hard-working man.” “No one can deny that,” said
Carl. “I’ve never known a person who worked harder.”

Next the deacon visited Sam. “Do you know what Carl said about
you?” “No, but I can imagine his lies,” he responded angrily.
“This may surprise you,” said the deacon, “but he said he’s never
known a harder worker.” “He said that?” Sam was stunned. “What do
you think of Carl?” asked the deacon. “It is no secret that I have
absolutely no use for him.” “But you must admit he’s honest in
business,” said the deacon. “There’s no getting around that,” said
Sam. “In business he’s a man you can trust.”

Later the deacon met Carl again. “Do you know what Sam said about
you? He claims you’re absolutely trustworthy in business, that you
are scrupulously honest.” “Well, how ’bout that,” reacted Carl
with a smile.

Soon the peacemaking deacon noticed Sam and Carl would cautiously
nod in a friendly sort of way. Before long they were shaking
hands, talking, even visiting in each other’s homes. Today they
are best of friends.

Many people, even church folk, seem to delight in promoting a
fight by carrying news of ill-will. Rip this page from a deacon’s
peacemaking notebook. It’s a worthy example to follow.