"Have peace with one another." Mark 9:50

Joe and Glen were childhood buddies and continued to be steadfast friends. They both married and settled near one another.

One day the two men decided to go into a business partnership. Somehow, their business failed. Each blamed the other for the failure. Animosity replaced friendship.

The two men's wives were appalled. Being a little distanced from the problem, they could see blame had to be equally borne. Rather than pushing or manipulating the men, the women decided to pray.

Nothing happened for a long time. Now and then a wife would report to the other that her husband had wondered aloud how the other was getting along. The women would casually pass this on in comments like, "By the way, Marge says Glen was asking how you were, dear. He acted concerned. Billy, pass the salad to your dad, will you, please?"

Gradually the barrier began to crumble but neither man would make a move until Joe had a heart attack. Then, the first visitor was Glen, with a hearty handshake and a plea for forgiveness. Joe responded in kind.

If you are harboring resentment toward anyone, ask God for the blessing of putting aside pride and restoring peace to you both.

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

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