Resolved to Be Loving and Gracious
Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions are challenging, and there are quite a few that deal with how he related to people. I think they still ring true for us.
Choosing Forgiveness
How about #14, where he said: “Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.” #16 resolves: “Never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall dishonour him or her upon no account except for some real good.” Or #33: “Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace.”
I think this type of heart for people is a good way for us to start our year—saying “I'm resolved this year to not be vengeful, to not be nasty, to not speak evil about anybody, but to do all I can to make peace.”
Living in Love
Of course, this is central to the Christian way of life, isn't it? Jesus lived this way and told us to love our neighbour. He said that people would know us by our love. Paul was forever telling the early church to love each other, to forgive each other, and so on.
And I know that this is difficult. It's really not easy to live this way because relationships are hard, tensions arise, and all sorts of stuff can happen.
Being Peacemakers
But let's resolve to reach the end of 2022 having made peace, having forgiven, and having been kind to people and merciful. For me, certainly this is one of my primary aims this year—to see the best in people, to not be critical, but to be full of grace and love.
How about you? Let's be God's church by being people who love and work for peace and reconciliation in this world.
