The tennis court may seem like a battlefield at times. Offense. Defense. Transition. Between sets there is an armistice for few minutes. To win, you probe with lobs and drop shots, hoping for a momentary weakness by your opponent that can be attacked with an overhead, vicious volley, or an amazing winner. There is also the possibility of a white flag moment: an injury, for example, and the match must be surrendered.
And after the battle, whether the match is won or lost, both sides are no longer opponents but friends, or at least respected combatants. Peace is restored.
We play out a type of this battle throughout life, mostly off the tennis courts. The battle takes many forms: arguments, disagreements, disappointment with others, mean acts, disrespect—you know the list all too well. We are injured and we give injury. How are we to neutralize these battles, restore peace?
We probe, just as in tennis. We probe, but not for advantage but for opportunities to make peace. We offer a smile, kind word, loving action, enthusiasm for life, encouragement in difficulties, endurance for the long haul, and tenacity in the face of the impossible. These are our weapons.
Where do we find the strength to face these battles that will always be with us? Where do we seek the change of heart to absorb injury and not return it in kind? We ask the Spirit that is more willing to give than we are to receive.
I Chronicles 16:11
“Look to the Lord and his strength…”
1 Romans 15:5
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
