The idea of going into a tough conversation is not my cup of tea. There are all sorts of tools and tests out there which tell us the type of person we are, including whether we move towards or away from conflict. However, my marriage is the truest test to date, teaching me how little I actually like conflict.
Jesus knows exactly what conflict is like. Oh, how I wish I could handle it like Jesus!
Isaiah 53:7-9 states:
He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
Unjustly condemned,
he was led away.
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
He had done no wrong
and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.
Jesus did NO wrong! Besides the obvious (He’s God, and I am not), this is usually the big difference between me and Jesus: I do wrong!
Recently, I lied to a pharmacist. To these amazing health workers who are on the front lines in the war against COVID? Yes, I lied to these people. I wanted a refill for my son’s eyedrops ASAP because I threw them in the garbage assuming he was done with pink eye. Instead, his pink eye returned, and I told the pharmacist that I lost them. Of course, being the kind person she is, she did what she could to refill the prescription.
This is just one of many examples in the category of lying. I have many, and some are downright ugly. The only conflict here is the one I had with myself later on about lying.
Jesus on the other hand, was silent before his accusers. He had no friends to talk with, because they all deserted him. They dropped the ball! How did Jesus move forward after that? He actually drew closer to his friends. He came to the disciples after his resurrection, showing them that He was okay. Alive and well! Jesus shows up, even with the wounds, welcoming His friends to stand back up and join him.
Truth is we all fall so short and only because of what Jesus did can we stand up and keep going because he cleanses us from all unrighteousness by what he did! I am brought to tears thinking how many times he’s done that for me! What a great God we serve! Thank you Lord oh, my heart is filled with thankfulness.