Daily Peace by Simple Kindness

Scripture: When they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “Lord, open these men’s eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Should I kill them, should I kill them, my father?” Elisha replied, “Don’t kill them. Do you kill those you have captured with your sword or your bow? Set food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and go to their master.” 2 Kings 6:20-22

Observation: In this amazing story, an entire Aramean army is sent to try to capture just one person, Elisha. The Lord shows up with the full army of heaven, and when the Aramean army attempts to attack the city they are blinded - or maybe confused - and Elisha convinces them they are in the wrong place. He leads them to the heart of Samaria, where the king of Israel captures them. However, Elisha declares they should not be killed or even held, but instead they are given a grand feast and sent away. As a result, Aram will never raid Israel again.

This is a clear and basic example of how to defuse an enemy with love. The mindset of the king of Aram is that Elisha is powerful (though in truth he is doing nothing at all against Aram) so he must destroy him. The mindset of the king of Israel is that Aram is a neighbor who raids his land and therefore he must kill this army when given the chance. The mindset of Elisha is that ... the Lord is with him, the entire situation can be deescalated and defused, and then through kindness all the conflicts will be ended by choice.

Application: I know very well that ... I have enemies. However, I have also been keenly aware that, over the last six years, I have not added to that number. In fact, those I have collaborated and worked and interacted with during this time generally like me, and certainly don't have any ill feelings. This seems tied to one thing ... I no longer fight anyone. Even those who disagree with me, oppose my actions and decisions, impose pointless work upon me, or even take credit for things I have done, even if I get angry or frustrated or disheartened I simply won't fight.

Does that make me passive? Does that inhibit progress when they are wrong and no one corrects them? Does that create extra effort for others? Maybe. But I have now learned from the Lord that it also makes my life so much easier. Sure, perhaps I end up with some work to do that didn't really need to get done, and maybe my name doesn't end up on a congratulatory email, and maybe someone else gets a nice bonus check. But I'm happier, and actually those people are happier to, and no one is 'out to get me'. All I really have to do to have more peace in my life is show simple kindness.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the lesson of loving others. I'm still a long, long way from saying I truly love everyone and all people. However, I don't hate people anymore, and I have found much more peace in may daily activities. Again I say, thank you, Lord. Amen.