Prior to His ascension from the Holy Land, the Savior pronounced a unique blessing: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” (John 14:27.)
His peace is not necessarily political; His peace is
personal. But that spirit of inner peace is driven away by contention.
Contention does not usually begin as strife between countries. More often, it
starts with an individual, for we can contend within ourselves over simple
matters of right and wrong. From there, contention can infect neighbors and
nations like a spreading sore.
As we dread any disease that undermines the health of the
body, so should we deplore contention, which is a corroding canker of the
spirit. I appreciate the counsel of Abraham Lincoln, who said:
“Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of
himself can spare time for personal contention. … Better give your path to a
dog than be bitten by him.” (Letter to J. M. Cutts, 26 Oct. 1863, in Concise
Lincoln Dictionary of Thoughts and Statements, comp. and arr. Ralph B. Winn,
New York: New York Philosophical Library, 1959, p. 107.)….
….What can we do to combat this canker of contention? What
steps may each of us take to supplant the spirit of contention with a spirit of
personal peace?
To begin, show compassionate concern for others. Control the
tongue, the pen, and the word processor. Whenever tempted to dispute, remember
this proverb: “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of
understanding holdeth his peace.” (Prov. 11:12)
Bridle the passion to speak or write contentiously for
personal gain or glory. The Apostle Paul thus counseled the Philippians, “Let
nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem other better than themselves.” (Philip. 2:3.)
Such high mutual regard would then let us respectfully
disagree without being disagreeable.
But the ultimate step lies beyond beginning control of
expression. Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly
loves God. Heed carefully this scripture:
“There was no contention in the land, because of the love of
God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” (4 Ne. 1:15) (“The Canker of
Contention, Elder Nelson, April 1989)
