Some relationships, though not many, go along smoothly over time. It may be that the people involved share views, values, lifestyles, or whatever, making them very compatible. Unfortunately, most of us struggle in relationships. Quarrels come and go, problems arise, and tempers flare. We want our relationships with others to succeed and be mutually satisfying, but we are sometimes at a loss about how to do that.
Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” God made us to have two fruitful relationships, the vertical one with Him and the horizontal one with other people. These relationships are fruitful when we live in peace with others and we live in the holiness of God’s presence, neither of which can be accomplished without the abiding presence and power of God’s Spirit in our lives. Only by God’s wisdom and strength can we live in peace with people and in holiness in God’s presence.
Reluctant Retiree 