Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
Our world is
filled with conflict. We have conflict
in our homes, at our jobs, and in our churches.
I encourage you to become a person who desires peace. Become a peacemaker. Become a peacemaker in your home, at work,
and in your church. A peacemaker is
someone who brings about peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree.
Choose to be the voice of wisdom. Allow God and His Word to direct your speech
and your relationship with others. Let
the light of Christ shine through your life.
In the same way, let your light
shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father
in heaven – Matthew 5:16.
God’s love must permeate our motives. As we attempt to live our lives as
peacemakers, we must seek to make sure our actions and our speech honor and
glorify our Heavenly Father. Prayerfully
ask Jesus to reveal if you have a heart of a peacemaker or a heart of someone
who is an initiator of conflict. In our
churches, many conflicts occur because of personal preferences rather than
doctrinal issues. This is sad and
alarming because while Christians are arguing over preferences, people are
dying and going to hell.
A peacemaker
is someone who is able to overlook an insult.
They recognize that retaliation solves nothing and only encourages more
conflict. God’s Word describes them as
prudent. Do you desire to be
prudent? With the help of the indwelling
Holy Spirit you and I can be known as a peacemaker. Fools
show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult – Proverbs
12:16. When dealing with conflict, our
choice of words and how they are delivered is very important. A
gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger – Proverbs
15:1. Most people find it difficult
to argue with someone who is speaking to them in a gentle tone. It isn’t uncommon to see children have a temper
tantrum, but it is sad to see adults have temper tantrums, especially
Christians. Calmness is an important
tool that a mature Christian will strive to use during a conflict. The peacemaker will attempt to be calm instead
of being dragged into a verbally explosive conflict. Ecclesiastes
10:4 – If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness
can lay great offenses to rest.
As brothers
and sisters in Christ, we must remember we are all working to lead the lost to
Christ. Peacemakers will encourage
fellow Christians to show each other respect and the importance of holding each
other in highest regard. In God’s
kingdom, one person is not greater than another. 1
Thessalonians 5:13 – Hold them in highest regard in love because of their
work. Live in peace with each
other.
A peacemaker
will encourage forgiveness. Forgive and
move forward. God has forgiven us so
much. When we reflect on how much God
has forgiven us, it will not be difficult for us to forgive others. God commands us to forgive and then move
forward. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a
grievance against someone – Colossians 3:13.
God reveals
in His Word that a peacemaker must have godly wisdom. God’s wisdom and ways are much different than
the worlds. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then
peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial
and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in
peace reap a harvest of righteousness – James 3:17-18. God will provide the peacemaker the wisdom
needed to handle any situation. Ask God
for wisdom today. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to
all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Choose today to sow peace. Live your life as a peacemaker.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your
many blessings. Father, I pray You will
provide us with godly wisdom. Help us to
live our lives as a peacemaker, instead of one that participates in
conflict. Wash over us with Your love
that we may demonstrate it to others. In
Jesus Holy Name I Pray…..Amen.
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