Word of the Week - Peacemakers
Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
My good friend Pastor Mark Pettus shared a message on the 7th beatitude this morning “Blessed are the Peacemakers”, it was such a powerful word I wanted to share the highlights from his message in my Word of the Week.
Biblical Peace – Peace in the context of the bible is not the absence of strife or adversity in life as generally taught in the world. Ideas such as world peace (lack of war or conflict) or finding a state of nirvana (tranquility). Peace in the context of the bible is finding a place of inner rest and fulfillment in the midst of chaos and conflict going on all around us. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Peacemaker – Is an active state of sharing the peace of God with others regardless of our differences. Peace is something that we actively pursue and many times requires pain and conflict, opposed to the idea of peacekeeping, where we are trying to avoid any conflict and maintain status quo. To be a Peacemaker we must start with a God perspective and look for our point of unity with others. Remembering that we are all created in the image of God and God loves all His people regardless of the differences and beliefs. Peacemaking is a godly mindset and heart perspective. There is a huge blessing in being an active Peacemaker. “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” James 3:18
Being a Peacemaker – How do we become a peacemaker?
- We pursue our relationship with God by abiding in Christ daily and experience God’s peace in our own hearts. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope and glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
- We experience peace with ourselves by depending on God. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
- We experience peace in our circumstances knowing that God is with us. “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
We extend peace through our lives - God has called each of us to sow seeds of peace through our lives to model Peacemaking by:
- Staying focused on the real issues and understanding that we all have an enemy that is trying to lead us away from peacemaking toward destruction. “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10
- Seeing others through the eyes of God. We must see ourselves and others the way that God sees us. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16
- We become the evidence of peace to the world around us. We spread the peace of God by loving God and receiving His peace so we can share it. “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be bought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them as you have loved me”. John 17:22-23
With the many challenges we are facing in our country/world today as it relates to focusing on our differences and experiencing disunity, there is no better time than the present to be a Peacemaker by actively sharing the love and peace of Christ. We are never more like God than when we are carrying the wholeness and completeness of Christ into the world through the gift of making Peace as an ambassador of Christ.
Have a great week!!!!
-Duane