"Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." Prov. 14:22

Ron Kraybill, a respected Christian mediator, has noted that "effective confrontation is like a graceful dance from supportiveness to assertiveness and back again." This dance may feel awkward at first for those who are just learning it, but perseverance pays off. With God's help you can learn to speak the truth in love by saying only what will build others up, by listening responsibly to what others say, and by using principles of wisdom.

Have you given up aspects of biblical peacemaking because you kept stepping on someone's toes?

Even if you have never watched Dancing with the Stars, at some point in your life, you've probably seen a couple on the dance floor, and it captured your attention. And even if you're not the biggest fan of dancing, you had to admit to a grace and beauty before your eyes; a fluid motion that took weeks, months, and possibly even years to achieve. The perseverance paid off.

As we learn the steps of confrontation (a necessary step in peacemaking), it's wise to remember that it takes time. It may take days or weeks or months or even years to learn those rhythms of speaking the truth and listening intently and proceeding wisely. It may feel awkward at first. Repeat that again -- it may feel awkward at first. But if we let God take the lead (that's always His role) and commit ourselves to following His lead, something of grace and beauty can emerge -- it's called the dance of peacemaking. It has the power to capture the attention of a watching world. Perseverance will always pay off.