When people live and work together, and interact with one another, it is almost unavoidable that we hurt or offend each other.  The reason is because we are far from perfect and we are sinners.  You may anger your friend because you are selfish or insensitive.  Others may get annoyed with you because you are incapable.  Yet others may feel irritated because you keep repeating the same mistakes. There are many occasions for getting angry with others.  I urge you to consider the following points.

First, one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, once asked Him: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?  Up to seven times?” (Matt. 18:21).  Peter suggested seven times because to the Jews, this is a complete number.  In other words, what Peter suggests is already better than what can expected of anyone.  To Peter, to forgive a person seven times is admirable.  Jesus, however, replies: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matt. 18:22).  Jesus’ point is not the exact number of times but he escalates the number to tell Peter that he must always forgive his brother.  As Christians, we dare not habour hatred in our hearts.  Jesus continues to tell a parable in Matt 18:22-35 that if you do not forgive others their sins, God will not forgive you too.  Instead, God will mete out punishment according to your sins.  If God were to do that to you, you will be a really miserable person.  Hence, you must forgive others.

Second, if there is unhappiness between two Christians, both of you should have a humble heart to initiate a reconciliation.  If there is a misunderstanding, clarify.  Where you have done wrong, be honest before God and apologise.  The person offended must forgive when he or she apologises.  Be kind and gracious.

Third, having said the above, there are times when despite being willing to clarify and listen, both dissenting persons cannot agree with the other person’s clarification or view point.  In this case, 1Peter 4:8 urges us: “above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  In other words, let’s just “agree to disagree.”  More precisely, let’s love each other and not quarrel over that matter about which we cannot come to an agreement.  Instead, we shall take special efforts in not allowing that controversial point to come into play in our relationship.  If we love each other in this way, “love covers over a multitude of sins,” that is, the relationship will be kept whole.  There will peace in the church, home and workplace.