It’s strange how images imprint themselves on our minds. I remember gazing horrified from an apartment window while two boys fought. I don’t know how it started or which of the two boys threw the first punch, but the cries of the smaller boy, curled ball-like on the ground, summoned my attention. Unabated, the larger boy viciously kicked the smaller and, unabated, the smaller one bawled. Powerless I had watched the scene, longing to see the beating end, when a woman arrived and stood between the bully and the small boy until the kicking ceased.

In a city north of Ulaanbaatar, where we were attending a conference, our hotel room gave us a different image. The windows in our room were huge, floor to ceiling, and from the twelfth floor, we saw people peacefully going about their business in the early morning chill. Watching the city come alive, we marvelled at the things the Lord has done amongst these people, but we also felt the weight of petition that longs to see true unity amongst the Christians.

Even though Mongolians usually avoid open clashes, conflict still thrives. Naturally, adult disagreements tend to be more subtle than a big boy kicking a smaller one, although there are moments, when anger roused, fistfights happen. Conflicts here commonly centre around petty differences, unresolved suspicions, long-held resentments, differing doctrinal positions, controversy, greed, dishonest and deceit. Oh, the list seems endless, but each, as it derails agreement, devours unity.

Our conference began with a young man calling the church to godly unity and praying that God would enable Mongolian Christians to dwell as one body. An audacious prayer perhaps, but the loud chorus of ‘Amens’ showed leaders recognise the strength in unity. I continued praying, asking the Lord to enable us to understand more deeply the reality that, through no effort of our own, He has reconciled us to Himself. The reality of that truth enables us to dwell, tranquil and secure, in Him and with one another.

Some people do breathe grace into situations. Drawing on God’s power, they bring His love and mercy, His strength and wisdom to the daily conflicts. By His grace, anger dissipates and repentance flows, strengthens us to forgive one another’s offences and honestly admit our own faults.

It’s not easy. Too often we dig our heels in and become mulishly stubborn. However, we cannot truly love and worship God if we carry the debris of conflict in our lives. Making peace with those who have wronged us, or we have wronged, not only blesses us, but it blesses others too, especially those who realise that God Himself is at work in and through us.

To live in peace, loving one another, celebrating diversity, aware that we are always dependent on God takes courage to lay down our personal, perceived rights and submit ourselves to God and one another. In doing so, we display something of the gospel; and the world certainly needs to see that there is a place on earth where true peace dwells….

© copyright Gillian Newham 2022