The Big Idea: Wisdom tells us we can make choices to avoid conflict and embrace peace, but we have to be proactive rather than reactive.
Proactive – Your life is a product of your values and your decisions.
(Circle of Influence increases)
Reactive – Your life is a product of your feelings, moods, and impulses.
(Circle of Concern increases as Circle of Influence decreases)
Four reasons to experience peace despite your circumstances
1. A Content Heart
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. ~ Proverbs 14:30
2. A Composed Spirit
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. ~ Proverbs 12:16
3. A Calm Word (is like a Hot Coal)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ~ Proverbs 15:1
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head… ~ Proverbs 25:21-22
4. A Confident Future (Justice or Reconciliation)
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you. ~ Proverbs 20:22
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. ~ Proverbs 16:7
Wisdom from Heaven…
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving…. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. ~ James 3:17-18