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NIV is used unless otherwise noted.



Making Peace


Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 
Matthew 5:9

A couple years ago my daughter’s teacher told me how my daughter frequently encouraged her classmates not to fight with each other or to be mean to one another. She did not like it when the kids were not getting along, and she did what she could to help them overcome the situation. My daughter is a peacemaker.

My daughter recently told me about a situation in middle school gym class when she stood between two boys to keep them from fighting. They were friends of hers, and she wanted to bring about peace. We promptly discussed my safety concerns, but she accomplished her goal at the time. Peace.

Am I a peacemaker? Or do I like to stir up dissension? Proverbs 10:12 reminds us, Hatred stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. The other day I found myself wanting to gossip when the Lord clearly told me, “Nope, don’t go there.” Proverbs 16:28 says that a gossip separates close friends. These things do not bring about peace. So how do I ensure I am a peacemaker?

Jesus included the Beatitudes to help us understand character qualities that He loves. They are His qualities, and we can have these qualities, too, because the Source dwells in us.

To be a peacemaker, peace must reign in your life. It’s not a rule you can impose from the outside, it’s a heart-change that begins with Jesus in you. He imparts His peace through His power.

Peace is not the natural tendency of the heart, and I have struggled with a lack of peace in me. A heart that is not at peace cannot make peace. When we allow our hearts to be filled with chaos, we are focusing on our circumstances. We expect others to be the peace that we need, but the reality is that God is the original peacemaker, the only source for true peace. He is our Father. Spend time with Him. Rest in Him. Make peace with Him.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).


Julie Smith
Posted by encouraging.com
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