We have very little control over how others treat us. In Psalm 109 we have a Psalm of David as he is being mistreated by a former friend. Is anything more painful than to have someone you love suddenly, or eventually, turn on you? Someone you took supper with, you fought side-by-side with, or acted graciously toward? David prays a very hard and tough "imprecatory" prayer in regard to this dilemma. He prays some hard things toward this person(s). But, no matter his good this offender, David, like us, has to give it over to God. His good did not win the person. His bad cannot destroy the person. He has but one option of value ... give it to God:
Psalms 109:29
Let my accusers be clothed with dishonor,
And let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.
Scripture tells us that as much as in us try to leave at peace with all men. But, we can't always have peace with "all" men. Some men are set on war. Some men choose not to forgive when you offend them ... and, you will offend them. Some men choose to hate. Some men are not always eager to enjoy and embrace peace. For those men there is little you can do. You must love where you can but you ultimately must turn this over to God. He alone can bear it. He alone can fix it. He alone can correct it. As I write this I am on my way to school in our state to resolve a conflict between two staff members. I have no doubt the administration hopes I can make the problem go away. However, I realize only God can resolve these conflicts. He may use me to provide understanding and insight but the fruit of that labor comes from God. God alone heals the pain between men. Give yours to Him.
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