Each month in 2017 OUTLOOK is featuring individuals who are actively involved in peacemaking with their families, friends and communities. The following interview focuses on Ron Price.
What does it mean to be a person of peace?
It means I realize that to be a true follower of Jesus Christ I must strive to emulate Him in all ways to the best of my very limited ability. He was indeed a Peacemaker; therefore I should be also within my sphere of influence.
What does peacemaking look like to you?
Peacemaking occurs when people choose to put their own issues and agendas aside just long enough to truly listen to and consider another person’s point of view. Disagreements and disputes with others will invariably happen in this sin-plagued life, but they do not have to be ugly and destructive.
How do you try to make and keep peace at home, work, school and church?
I try to do this by helping people to:
- listen to each other
- focus on the real issues; not get caught up in other factors, and
- focus on the future—on how their relationship might improve.
Can you share a specific example?
I was personally involved in a conflict situation several years ago over a simple misunderstanding. I was a petroleum landman, and I spoke by telephone with a woman about her oil and gas lease, which I knew had been released (let go). Without either of us realizing it, she heard me say that her lease had been re-leased, as in leased again, which she knew was not true and quickly told me so.
It did not take long for both of us to start getting upset that the other was impugning our intelligence and truthfulness. Fortunately, when I caught on to what was happening and explained my use of the term, she readily agreed and calmed down. We had a good laugh over it, but we could seriously still be arguing today since by our definitions we were both right.
What is a saying or quote about peace that you like?
Holding on to grudges often gets in the way of peacemaking; therefore I appreciate a quote attributed to Ken Sande: “Unforgiveness is the poison we drink, expecting the other person to die.”
What is a Bible verse about peace that is meaningful to you?
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:17-18 NLT).
