‘God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.’ Matthew 5:9(NLT)
‘For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. ‘ Ephesians 2:14-17(NLT)
‘Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.’ Romans 12:18(NLT)
‘And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. ‘ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19(NLT)
‘If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.’ James 3:13-18(NLT)
‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ‘ Matthew 28:18-20(NLT)
QUIET MOMENT
What does it mean to be a peacemaker? As you go through the day, see if you are a peacemaker with your husband, with your children, and with those you encounter.
GOING DEEPER
Read Ephesians 2:14-17. Thank your Savior for what He did for you. Take a moment in quiet and think of how your Lord made peace with God for you. Ask Him to reveal to you the significance of what He has done.
Take a moment to read the following Scriptures. What do you learn from each?
Romans 12:18
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
James 3:13-18
To understand what a peacemaker is, it’s helpful to look at what it is not. A peacemaker is not someone who avoids conflict at all cost. Such a person does not trust God to work in the midst of conflict and to work through the conflict. A peacemaker is also not someone who allows their anger to control a situation. A peacemaker is found in a healthy spot between two extremes. It’s someone who is able to speak the truth in love. Where do you fall on the peace-o-meter? Are you considered a peacemaker with those who know you? You might ask a few family members or close friends to give you their perspective.
The greatest work we do for peace is when we bring the message of the gospel to those who are perishing. We are to boldly share the gospel with and without words, day by day, at home, in our neighborhoods, at the grocery store, in a PTA meeting, with your realtor, with your in-laws, with your parents, with your siblings, and the list goes on and on. All authority has been given to Jesus, and He has sent us into the world to spread the gospel. Read Matthew 28:18-20. The Lord has given himself to help us, equip us, and provide for us in the work of the gospel.
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Are you a peacemaker? Do you speak the truth in love to others? Or do you create conflict, nit-pick, nag, or criticize? Are you readily taking the gospel of peace to the world in which you live? If you struggle with fear in any of these areas, confess that to the Lord in your prayer time.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 7