Verse of the day: Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Happy is the person who takes extra care to make
peace with others. A person who seeks peace is a wise person. James 3:17 reads,
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without
hypocrisy. We are to have pure hearts toward God, and be peacemakers
with men. However, the foundation of that peace originates in our own peace
with God. Ephesians 2:14-16 clearly tells us that Jesus established peace between
us and God by breaking down the wall of separation, and reconciling us to God through
the Cross. Because we have peace with God, every one of us, as born-again
believers, can choose to be at peace with others. Note that I said that we can “choose”
to be at peace with others. This does not mean that others will always be at
peace with us. However, that does not justify our lack of effort in being at
peace with those who refuse to be at peace with us. Romans 12:18 tells us, If
it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
A peacemaker is a person who goes above and beyond to resolve situations in a
peaceful manner, regardless of what the other person’s attitude might be.
Sadly, too many Christians’ attitude is no better than the world when it comes
to being peacemakers. The world is at peace with others only when they are
getting their way or they are being treated with respect. We are called to love
others and be at peace regardless of how they treat us. As a matter of fact, we
are to love our enemies and pray for them. Matthew 5:44-45 tells us, But I say
to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate
you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that
you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil
and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. This does
not mean that we cannot seek to be treated respectfully or advocate for our
rights, but we are to do so as peaceably as we can, trusting God to take care
of the outcome, and trusting Him even if the other person still refuses to be
at peace with us. As born again believers we allow far too many people and
circumstances to disturb, and rob us of, our personal peace. Regardless of how
the other person responds, we can choose to maintain an attitude of peace
toward them, and maintain our own inner peace, because our inner peace comes
from the Lord (Phil 4:6-7). As God’s children, we can approach turbulent situations
in meekness, patiently enduring the attitude of others, being merciful, and
always ready to forgive injury, making purity a priority in our responses,
knowing that we are obligated to seek peace with others regardless of what
their response is or might be. We cannot let our attitude and approach be
determined by how others treat us; but instead let it be guided by what God expects
from us, who represent Him here on earth. When we love others and are at peace
with others we demonstrate clearly that we are children of God. As God’s people
we must avoid the attitude that seeking peace is a sign of weakness. This kind
of thinking and attitude is worldly, and the result of our own pride, and an unwillingness
to be humble in dealing with others. Contrary to what the world defines as
strength; it takes more courage and strength to be silent, respond quietly, and
seek peace when the other person desires conflict. One of the greatest examples
of strength, by a show of restraint, was demonstrated by Jesus in Matthew
26:52-53 when He was taken into custody and the Apostle Peter cut off the ear
of the high priest’s servant. Jesus healed the servant and responded in this
manner, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take
the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He
will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” The bottom
line is that the longer we are Christians, the more we ought to resemble our
Lord and Savior in our attitude and the way we treat others, validating the
fact that in Christ we truly are sons of God.
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