“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” - Matthew 5:9
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:15
Peacemaking is such a hallmark characteristic of God being in charge that Jesus singles it out as a family trait. This is life with God in charge. It’s what the world desperately needs and deep down it’s what many of us want. We can feel it in our bones. We may not always do better, but in our heart of hearts, we know better. We want better.
Greg Holder
Consider
When GK Chesterton, an early 20th century Christian writer and thinker, was asked by a newspaper in London to write an article entitled “What’s wrong with the world?” It’s said he replied with a letter that read: “Dear Sirs: I am.”
Reflect
What emotions do you feel when you hear the word peacemaker?
When in conflict, have we forgotten how to speak to others without battle axes and battering rams in our hands?
When wronged do you have a tendency to "bow up" like Greg talked about?
Do you have an Us/Them situation in your life that you'd like to see peace in?
Why is humility so important in peacemaking?
Which of the items in the "Bringing Peace" section below do you struggle with when attempting to make peace?
Bringing Peace
1) Ask curious and humble questions
2) State the problem gracefully
3) Build a bridge, even when it's costly
4) Respond transparently
5) See it from another perspective
6) Speak healing truth to your folks too.
Remember
Sign up on the website and join us Tuesday evening, Sept. 15 for the "Never Settle" book launch!