Makers of Peace

With all the war, rage and anger that is going on the world, I still believe that Jesus spoke clearly about Peace. Some Christians will try to justify violence by referring to a few verses in the New Testament, but on the whole, Jesus did not advocate for hatred and violence. 

We must remember that Jesus had all the power in the world, so he could have destroyed the wicked and those who oppressed him, but he chose not to. When the religious leaders waged war on him, he did not call down thunder and lightning from heaven. Jesus came to establish a new kingdom, one that looked very different from the kingdoms of the world, and this is what makes it difficult to follow the teachings of Jesus.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God." - Matthew 5:9 (Amplified Bible)

Matthew 5:43 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

Thought: I would be wary of people who claim that we must wage war in the name of God. Jesus Christ does not command us to steal, kill and destroy. That is the work of the adversary (John 10:10).

Living in Grace

D3LM3

In conflict with ourselves, but at Peace with God.

In sharing about the PEACE that Christ gives to the world, I have been caught up in thinking how many people refuse to love themselves. Of course, there are plenty of people who have no problem with this (loving themselves), but there are millions of people who struggle to love who they are. There are a myriad of reasons for this, but in essence, the truth still stands - we are often in conflict with ourselves.

In response to this, Jesus says in John 16:33:

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

Complete Jewish Bible - “I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom. In the world, you have tsuris (distress). But be brave! I have conquered the world!”

The starting point for our peace is to know Jesus. We can experience true Shalom when we know that we are loved by Jesus.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The war within

I have mentioned before that in my daily work diary I have a quote at the bottom of each page. Sometimes these quotes are "nice", but they don't really speak to my current circumstances. Other days they strike a real chord with me and speak great words of wisdom. This is the quote for today (12 August):

"If you avoid the conflict to keep the peace you start a war inside yourself." (Unknown)

Don't you find these words to be true for you? How often have we kept the peace only to end up creating a war within ourselves. It is very hard to find a balance to speak the truth in love and to avoid conflict. 

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3