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Key Bible Verse: Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? (1 Corinthians 6:7). Bonus Reading:1 Corinthians 6:1–8

I was asked to help four partners divide the assets of a business. One wanted much more than the other three were willing to give him. If he couldn't have the share he believed was rightfully his, he was going to sue. The others had refused to concede to his demands. When I asked why, they said, "It isn't just the money; it's the principle."

I responded, "How much is this principle costing you? How much time has it already cost your business, and how much will a lawsuit consume? More importantly, what effect has this conflict had on you and your families? Are you pleasant to be around?"

After a long pause, one partner pulled out his calculator. After a few key strokes, he said, "I'd say we've already lost over $2,000 in billable time. A lawsuit could easily cost us ten times that much." Another admitted he wasn't sleeping well. The third noted that his critical attitude was creating problems at home. They reluctantly decided that they should settle.

Within two weeks, they were completely free of the matter. "When I look back," one later told me, "I don't understand why we didn't settle much earlier. It sure wasn't worth all that fighting."

—Ken Sande in The Peacemaker

My Response: What toll is "standing up for my rights" taking on me?

Thought to Apply: If we fight the beast by becoming a beast then bestiality has won.
—Quaker saying

Adapted from: Becoming a Peacemaker (Baker, 1991, 1997) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Dear Lord, help me deal with conflict in ways that honor You and benefit others.

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