This week I have been thinking on what it means/looks like to be a peacemaker. As I am studying through the Sermon on the Mount series with She Reads Truth, I was given this verse to commit to memory:
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
I have found it so interesting that this verse “popped up” just about the time I found some major conflict going on among people {my friends} on Facebook. I could not believe what a few people were posting about another person. My heart ached because I know these people individually and believe they would not want to be viewed in the negative light which they created for themselves. I wanted to give my two cents on the topic and point out errors but oddly enough I knew that was not the image I wanted to leave on Facebook. It was not the witness I wanted tied to my faith or to me personally. Honestly, I knew I could only pray for peace and restoration between these people.
What kept me from “speaking my mind” especially because I have the “right” to do that especially in this country? Wise words that were spoken to me from people in the past as well as Scripture that kept running through my mind. The day after everything hit the fan, I posted this to my wall on Facebook, which sums up my thoughts.
A couple of verses have been running through my mind all day {thus far}:
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:17-18
AND
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – Galatians 6:9-10
Mr. White, thank you for reminding me years ago that I choose to be offended. Those words impacted my life that day and continue to often stop me in my tracks when circumstances arrive that are not in my favor. You showed me that grace is the better way….better than ungrace. Mrs. Gailey, thank you for always finding the good in others and every situation. You taught your students {and me} to always take the high road because there wasn’t much traffic on it. That has changed my life as well. As my heart is heavy with bickering, I am reminded of those truths. Humility, repentance and forgiveness = sanctification which honors Christ much more than being right and exercising those rights or perceived rights. —with Dale Carson who says AMEN! And no we are not bickering.
Being a peacemaker or living in peace is not always the easiest road but ultimately I believe it is the better road. As I desire personal peace, I must make choices and decisions that lead me down that path. For me that means thinking through my actions prior to responding – reacting typically doesn’t bring about peace. I have to remember to take a breath in order to slow down and not react. I have also learned that when I react I create more problems for myself. Typically when I slow down and think things through, I may not have to say or do anything in any given situation. Urgency to react is just an opportunity to be robbed of peace. Friends, slow down and remember not every situation is a crisis and not every situation demands a response. Breathe…and I would add, seek some wise counsel in volatile situations. For me, I pray as well!
I also found it interesting that on Sunday my pastor talked a little bit about busyness. A busy life = a busy heart. I would add that a busy life can also lead to a lack of peace, which I see at times in my own life. A peaceful life and being a peacemaker are things I do value highly. What about you? Is your life peaceful? If not, what do think brings the lack of peace? Are you a peacemaker or a peace-breaker?
Hope you have a lovely and peaceful weekend, friends. Blessings!
Lana L. says
I am definitely a peacemaker – conflict in my life makes me feel very unhealthy. I’ve also been working on taking a moment before I respond to something/someone. A lot of times when I do that I find I don’t need to respond at all – and that is a very peaceful feeling. Thank you for a very thoughtful post. Have a wonderful weekend!
Carrie says
I agree, Lana, I don’t like conflict in my life either but I have learned to move toward conflict in order to be a peacemaker, bring resolution and reconciliation. I would never have thought like that in my younger days but would have been much more passive aggressive. There are positives to getting older. 🙂