June 24
Pursuing Peace
Amid Tension
“If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.”
Romans 12:18 (NIrV)
Delilah glanced at the calendar and sighed. Her in-laws would be arriving tomorrow, and she could already feel the tension creeping in. It wasn’t that they were cruel people, but their sharp comments and constant criticism of Elliot had a way of draining the joy from their home.
Elliot felt it even more acutely. He always tried to brush off their words, but deep down, it hurt. “They never really see me for who I am,” he confided to Delilah one evening. “It’s like I’m always the kid who can’t do anything right in their eyes.”
Delilah understood his pain, but she also felt caught in the middle. She loved her husband deeply, but she also knew how much family mattered. As the in-laws’ visit loomed, she prayed silently, “Lord, help us get through this week without any blow-ups.”
When the in-laws arrived, the atmosphere was polite but strained. Conversations around the dinner table often drifted into critiques of Elliot—his job, his decisions, even the way he loaded the dishwasher. Delilah could see the tension in his jaw as he swallowed his frustration. She wanted to step in, but she wasn’t sure how to keep the peace.
On the third day, after a particularly pointed remark from his father, Elliot excused himself and went to their room. Delilah found him sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor.
“I can’t keep doing this,” he said, his voice low. “I’m trying, but it’s like no matter what I do, it’s not enough.”
Delilah sat beside him and held his hand. “I know it’s hard,” she said softly. “But maybe we can try something different. Let’s focus on what we can control—our own responses. We can’t change them, but we can choose how we react.”
Elliot nodded reluctantly, and that night, they prayed together. “God, give us patience and grace,” Delilah said, her voice trembling. “Help us to show love, even when it’s hard. And remind us that peace doesn’t come from winning arguments but from trusting You.”
The next morning, Elliot greeted his parents with a calm demeanor. When his father made a snide comment about his career, Elliot responded with a respectful but firm explanation of his goals. Instead of retreating or snapping, he stayed engaged, showing them that he valued their opinion, even if he didn’t agree.
Delilah followed his lead, steering conversations toward shared memories and lighthearted topics. Slowly, the tension began to ease. By the end of the week, while their differences hadn’t disappeared, there was a noticeable warmth in the air. Elliot’s parents even thanked them for their hospitality before they left.
As Delilah and Elliot closed the door after saying goodbye, they stood in the quiet for a moment. “It wasn’t perfect,” Elliot said, “but it felt different this time. I think God is teaching me how to let go of needing their approval and just focus on being the person He’s called me to be.”
Delilah smiled and squeezed his hand. “Peace doesn’t mean there’s no conflict. It means choosing grace in the middle of it.”
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us that peace is possible, even in difficult relationships.
Help us to live out Romans 12:18, doing everything we can to foster harmony in our homes and hearts.
Teach us to respond with love, even when we feel hurt or misunderstood.
Lord, thank You for the lessons You taught Delilah and Elliot about grace and patience.
Help us to trust You when family dynamics are challenging and to remember that You are the source of true peace.
Transform our hearts so that we can reflect Your love in every interaction.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
