A married couple came to the elder. They often quarreled. He listened, remained silent, and then said: "When both want to be right-the devil comes. When one remains silent-God comes. It's better to give in than to destroy love. If you want to be happy-be the first to forgive."

What a practical but hard advice to hear and act on for all of us, married or single. The devil is looking for ways to separate us from one another and from God. Is it necessary for us to be right--self-righteous--in our own eyes, and sin in the eyes of God? It takes discipline to remain silent rather to offend the other and God. And yet, that is the way of the Lord. Jesus remained silent before his accusers, even though he knew they were wrong. He did it out of love of the Father and out of love for us. Jesus asks us to take the higher road and know the peace that comes from God.