The Reconciliation: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself."

A circumstance is an event that takes place around you while you are standing. This is the literal translation of the original Latin from which the word is derived, for whatever that is worth. People refer to themselves as "victims of circumstances." Stuff happens! While it is true that we are unable to change our circumstances, the stuff that takes place around us, what is within our ability is the way we respond or react. Of course, human nature is reactionary. You do this to me and brother, I'll get even. Mess with me, I'll mess with you. The notion of "turning the other cheek," while a pious thought, is seemingly outside the practical realm of human behavior; a response reserved for the very spiritual. "Getting even," "settling the score," and "responding in kind" defines the norm. But where and when does "action and reaction" cease or does it continue until all the combatants are either too tired or too old to fuel the feud? The Hatfield's and McCoy's are no longer killing each other. (At least, I don't think they are.) Of course, if a circumstance occurs involving the warring parties, a circumstance that outweighs in severity and significance the original source of the feud, the action and reaction might very well cease, yielding to the greater concern. In other words, a property conflict between two neighbors will cease when both their houses are washed away in a hurricane. It no longer matters if one erected a picket fence on the wrong side of the property line. At that point, who cares? Personal conflicts may morph into personal concern. Neighbors once threatening bodily harm to each other may now reach out a helping hand or work together for the common good. This is the story of a conflict between the Bennett's and the Flannery's, two families residing within the once peaceful confines of Walnut Ridge, Indiana. Their personal dispute succeeded in dividing much of the community - sides were taken, battle lines were drawn, until one day...