Gentleness: Keep

Every Generation Needs Peacemakers

             On the drawing board of a machine shop, parts are designed to fit together.  Gears, pistons, and shafts intersect just so.  Even in the harmonized interaction of machine parts, however, friction develops; and unless the parts are properly lubricated, such friction can tear the machine apart.

            Like the interacting parts in a machine, human relationships in any workplace environment require the peacemaking lubrication of gentleness.  Every community in every generation needs peacemakers.  Gentle relationships are not arrived at, they are maintained.

            Massasoit was a historic peacemaker.  His gentleness was severely tried and repeatedly proven.  The Plymouth Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe established a strong and lasting friendship.  New settlers organizing other villages, however, had little regard for this long and carefully fostered relationship.  Many new colonists demonstrated an insatiable appetite for land, even when it meant driving out the natives.

            Whenever such disputes arose in the Wampanoag territories, Massasoit served as peacemaker.  Modern historians sometimes reflect critically on Massasoit’s mediation, wondering if he was truly fair in his dealings.  But lacking specific records, we can only marvel that for 40 years he satisfied his contemporaries, white and red alike.  His mediation was respected and sought by both sides, and good relations were maintained as long as Massasoit lived.

            Unfortunately, however, this story does not have a happy ending.  Among those coming after the early Pilgrims were some who sought to exploit the carefully nurtured Pilgrim-Wampanoag friendship, failing to take the lead from their forerunners and to continue their peacemaking spirit.

            When Massasoit died in 1660, the peacemaker was gone.  With no one stepping up to take this office, abuses abounded unchecked.  Fourteen years later, Massasoit’s own son, Philip, led a vengeful Indian uprising against the settlers.  Famous for its brutality, the bloody conflict came to be known as King Philip’s War.

            Good relations are priceless, and they require constant investment to nurture and maintain tem.  Every relationship in every generation requires just and gentle peacemakers – peacemakers who can resolve disputes and restore mutual respect.

            Just as the parts of a machine need constant lubrication, so relationships can never be maintained without a peacemaking attitude among them.  Once the just and gentle peacemaking individual is gone, if another does not take his or her place, friction will tear the relationship apart.

            Every generation needs gentle-handed peacemakers – who strive to “keep the peace”.

Keep on the Job

             A peacemaker must possess the moral strength to stand above personal prejudices and irritations.  When friction develops, a peacemaker shows honest consideration and concern for each individual involved.  A peacemaker identifies what morally must be done to rectify a strained relationship.

            Perhaps most importantly, a peacemaker knows how to communicate her counsel to each party for understanding and implementation.  Effective peacemakers are rare, but they are needed.  And gentleness is their trademark strength.

            Don’t jump to take sides in conflicts.  Take the side of what is right, and seek to restore both sides of the argument to that path.

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