Although I had been a schoolteacher at a rural school for a long time, one day I found myself in a predicament. 

Some members of staff thought that the school was right to fire one of the teachers, but others, like me, felt he shouldn’t have been let go. Battle lines were drawn, and people on both sides were on edge. Many people stopped talking to their old friends. I dreaded going to work.

Then I began to read the Bible more and realised that God didn’t want us to take sides and to be angry with each other. When I prayed that both groups would be reconciled, I was amazed how my feelings changed. 

Over a period of time, I found that I couldn’t remain angry with someone I was praying for. So I prayed for all involved, especially those with whom I differed. My concern spilled over until I wanted only the best for them.

As I continued to pray for the welfare of everybody involved, my tense feelings disappeared and peace came into my heart. Soon my old friendships were alive once more.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us not get so caught up in differences of opinion that we forget to care for everybody involved. Help us remember we are sisters and brothers, children of your family. Amen