Seeds Of Peace Instead Of Strife

Seeds of Peace Instead of Strife

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

A close friend of mine went through a challenging season with her oldest son. Although he was hardworking and loving, he was also rebellious at times. Like a lot of teens, he didn’t like his parents’ rules and couldn’t wait for the day when he didn’t have to listen to their instruction. This caused friction between my friend and her husband and their son, often putting a strain on their relationships.

At the same time, this young man had a good friend he spent a lot of time with. He also became good friends with the parents of his friend. Over time, he began to share with his friend’s parents the things that he didn’t like about his own home—their house rules and family guidelines. And these other parents, instead of being respectful of my friend and her husband, agreed with their son, siding with him that their rules were too strict and unfair.

My friend was angry, but more than that, she was hurt that another parent, when given the opportunity to speak truth and compassionately point her son back toward his family, did just the opposite—they sided with him against his family, increasing the friction that was already present and adding more strife to an already strained relationship.

Over those difficult teen years, my friend learned to rely on God and his wisdom in relating to her son, but she also determined that she never wanted to be someone who created more stress for another family. My friend vowed to always lovingly encourage and listen to her children’s friends while also being an ally to their parents by being respectful of their rules and guidelines.

As I think about my friend, I’m reminded that I want to plant seeds of peace rather than strife among my children and their friends. I’d love for others to know that they are loved but also that their families will always be supported in our home and conversations. And I’ve been sure to let our friends who are parenting know that I will always speak well of them in our home. As a Christian, I want to be someone who plants seeds of peace, not strife.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Be intentional to plant seeds of peace among your friends and let them know you are supporting them.