April 25
Choosing Peace
Over Possessions
"When you are angry, do not sin.' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. And do not give the devil a foothold."
Ephesians 4:26-27
The tension was palpable in the living room as Sofia glared at her siblings, her hands tightly gripping the faded documents. Their late father’s estate had been divided, but Sofia believed she had been shortchanged. The farm, a cornerstone of her childhood and a piece of their family’s history, had gone to her younger brother, Miguel.
“You knew how much that place meant to me,” Sofia said, her voice trembling with anger. Miguel looked away, guilt etched on his face. Their sister Carla stepped in. “Sofia, this wasn’t meant to hurt you. It’s what Dad thought was best.”
But Sofia couldn’t let it go. She hired a lawyer and prepared to take her siblings to court, convinced that justice was on her side. Each meeting with her lawyer felt like adding fuel to a fire—anger simmered into bitterness.
One night, Sofia sat alone in her apartment, unable to sleep. The Bible her father had given her sat untouched at the bottom of a box in the cupboard. Desperate for peace, she opened it and flipped through the pages until her eyes landed on Matthew 5:38-39.
“Turn the other cheek?” Sofia murmured aloud. “How can I, when I’ve been wronged?”
The words stayed with her, though, nagging at her heart. The next morning, she sat quietly in prayer, asking God for clarity. Slowly, she began to see things differently. She thought about her father’s wisdom, her siblings’ intentions, and the value of family unity over material possessions.
The following weekend, Sofia called a family meeting. Her siblings arrived cautiously, unsure of what to expect. Taking a deep breath, Sofia stood and said, “I’ve been wrong. I let anger and pride come between us. I don’t want the inheritance to tear our family apart. I’m letting it go.”
The room was silent, then Miguel approached Sofia and hugged her. “I’m so sorry, Sofia,” he whispered. Carla followed, tears streaming down her face.
As they reconciled, Sofia felt an unexplainable weight lift. She realized that choosing peace over possessions had brought her closer to the family she loved—and closer to God.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for teaching us the power of forgiveness and the value of relationships over material things.
Like Sofia, I struggle with letting go of what feels unfair.
Help me to trust Your plan, even when it’s hard to understand.
Give me the strength to turn the other cheek, to choose love over resentment, and to seek unity over division.
May Your grace guide my heart and remind me that true peace comes from You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
