An Old Ally
On November 11, 1942, the French forces in North Africa agreed to a cease-fire on all fronts. In three days of fighting, U.S. forces had sustained more than 1,100 casualties, including 337 killed. In spite of these losses, the Americans set about restoring what to them was the natural order friendly relations with an old ally, France. Historian Rick Atkinson described the reconciliation:
The bloodletting of the past three days, if neither forgotten nor quite forgiven, was set aside, just as a marital indiscretion might be glossed over for the sake of the children.
Just past noon on November 11, Patton and Hewitt hosted a luncheon at a Fedala brasserie for their French counterparts, lubricating the pleasantries with Bordeaux and cognac.
At the Miramar later that afternoon, Nogues, Michelier, and other French commanders drove past the coconut palms and banana trees lining the driveway to find that Patton had posted a welcoming honor guard. In the smoking room he complimented his adversaries on their gallantry and proposed a gentlemen’s agreement under which French troops could keep their arms. Patton sealed the deal with a toast to “our future victory over a common enemy.”135
We can learn a lesson from General Patton in “getting over” an argument. If we really want to mend a fence we can start by honoring our former antagonist and acknowledging the validity of their motives. As one of my good friends says, this may require some amount of “eating crow,” or something that looks like it to others, but this is a small price to pay for a new and stronger relationship. We have the assurance always that peacemakers “will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
—Matthew 5:23–24