Conflict, COVID, and choosing peace

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Copyright September 2021

We can choose peace during this time of COVID and conflict

Have you had heated conversations recently about COVID-19, vaccines or has someone snapped at you for the decision you made?

Months ago, I made a decision about the vaccine based on several things. Then, I felt like God challenged me one day and said, “Kathleen, have you asked me?”

I was humbled and spent several days praying about the virus and vaccines, asking God what I should do for my life. I gave my life to Jesus over 50 years ago, and my life belongs to him, so it made sense to ask him. I woke up one morning and felt like he gave me clear direction for the call he has on my life.

Not long ago, I encountered someone who was pretty vocal about her decision. Even though I didn’t agree with her stance, I just decided I wouldn’t share my opinion to avoid conflict. I really wasn’t interested in arguing with anyone about the topic, as I am not a medical professional and neither is she. Peace is more important to me, and I usually guard it.

During the encounter, I felt like this friend was snapping at me. I was grieved at her response and saddened. How was I to respond? Argue, be offended or chose to forgive?

As I prayed about it, I felt like God took me to Hebrews 12:14-15 (TPT). It says, “In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.”

We can see from this passage that keeping peace, doing what is right before God and not becoming bitter is important to God. It seems like a tall order, but grace is available for the difficult people we encounter. We just have to ask for it and walk in it.

One of the things God has shown me is my emotions, attitudes and choices say everything about me, and other people’s emotions, attitudes and choices say everything about them.

My emotions, attitudes and choices belong to me, not anyone else. I must take responsibility for my responses to situations.

Emotions are how we feel about life, and attitudes are what we think about life. Attitudes come from belief systems and those are usually formed in our youth and shape our thinking. Sometimes we are taught wrong attitudes, and our mind needs to be renewed.

Romans 12 :2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We must own our emotions, attitudes and choices — not someone else’s. Our job is to be responsible and kind to others.

I can’t worry about what other people think or if they agree with my decision, and I must realize I am not powerful enough to change someone’s thinking. They have to own their own emotions, attitudes and choices.

Let’s get back on track and quit arguing. We need to get busy in God’s kingdom and pray with others, lead them to Christ, be the visible representation of who he is, not arguing and complaining about everything.

I challenge you to seek God about the pandemic, the vaccine, and talk to your medical professional. Take responsibility for your emotions, attitudes and choice, and let’s live in peace with those around us.

Kathleen Maxwell is a native of the Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping others discover the joy of walking with God. She will lead a Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at The Kroc Center. To register or for details, contact her at [email protected]. You can also purchase her book, “Thriving Through Seasons of Grief” at www.kathleenmaxwellrambie.com