Settle Matters Quickly!
At my son’s church this past week, a colored strip of paper was lying on everyone’s seat at the start of the service. Each person was to write a word on their piece of paper. The strips of paper were then joined together to form a paper chain which encircled the sanctuary. The word I wrote on my piece of paper was “peace.”
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but peace is often hard to find during this busy season when the stress level can be so high. Families have arguments. What are we going to get the kids or grandkids? As a result, the season of Christmas can be plagued with more anxiety. As you reflect back on Christmas at your house this year, did you notice a need for “peace”?
The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:21-26 help us put anxiety and tensions into perspective. Verse 22 says the type of anger that can lead to such anxiety is a serious matter. Verse 25 shares some wise words about this from Jesus. He says to “settle matters quickly with your adversary.” This tells us that the quicker we can work toward reconciliation, the better for all.
The Greek word for “quickly” in the phrase “settle matters quickly” is takh-oo. This adverb means “with haste” or “without delay.” Jesus told us to make things right with others as soon as possible. Paul wrote the same principle when he said, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…” (Ephesians 4:26). The author of Hebrews wrote, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone… See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:14-15)
Another Christmas has come and gone, and we are reminded of the many relationships we have in our families, where we work, and even among those where we worship. At this time of Christmas, we are reminded of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). May we go out of our way to resolve conflict as we celebrate the Prince of Peace!
Prayer – Father, you know we have conflicts in our lives. Forgive us if we’re slow to resolve them and give us the strength to take the next steps. Amen.
Matthew 5:25 – “Settle matters quickly with your adversary.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: David Clode, Ayo Ogunseinde & Rydale, courtesy of Unsplash
