Saturday, March 29, 2014

Blessed are the Peacemakers


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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