Christ Made the First Move: Choosing Peace in Conflict

Devotional week 40

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Conflict in the workplace is almost unavoidable. Performance reviews, deadlines, personality clashes, or misunderstandings can easily stir up tension. A friend of mine once came home bitter and discouraged. She had just received a surprisingly low score on her performance review. Shocked, she asked her supervisor why, but the answer was not clear. Feeling treated unfairly, she rejected the review and requested an inquiry that involved higher management.

In moments like this, we wonder if peace is even possible. Yet Romans 5:8 reminds us where true reconciliation begins: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God did not wait for us to soften, apologize, or admit we were wrong. He made the first move. His love reached out to us when we were unwilling and uninterested. This is the model for us in conflict. True reconciliation is not about waiting for the other person to soften first. It begins when we choose to keep our hearts open, even when theirs is closed. It means extending forgiveness, showing kindness, and remaining willing to talk, without bitterness or revenge.

In my friend’s case, the inquiry eventually opened the door for conversation. What looked like a power struggle turned into a simple misunderstanding. But even before that moment, she had to decide in her heart to pursue peace rather than victory. That choice reflected Christ’s heart: to seek restoration, not to win an argument.

Even when the other person is not ready, we can still choose to keep our hearts soft. We can refuse bitterness, continue praying for them, and remain open to reconciliation if the door later opens. This is what Christ did for us: while we were still sinners, still resisting Him, He extended His love and made a way for peace.

Romans 12:18 reminds us: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” God does not ask us to control other people’s responses. He only asks us to do our part, to seek peace with honesty, humility, and love. The rest we entrust into His hands.

 Challenge

This week, is there someone in your workplace, family, or community who is hard to reach? Do not wait for them to make the first move. Ask God for grace to take a step toward peace, just as He did with you.

 Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving me first, while I was still far from You. Help me reflect that same love in my relationships. Teach me to forgive freely, to keep my heart open, and to seek reconciliation even when the other side is not ready. Amen.