EXHIBITING THE SPIRIT OF PEACE IN OUR WORLD
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“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 –
Christians are called to be peacemakers. We seek to manifest the Spirit of peace to one another. We endeavor to promote peace in our own relationships and those in our world. When we seek unity and harmony, we are promised by Jesus to be blessed.
Jesus is the Great Peacemaker. He is our Prince of Peace who won for us peace with God through His sacrificial act of atonement… a peace we could never attain on our own. He is our Mediator and Confidante… daily interceding for us before the Father in heaven to pursue peace.
» How do we model our Great Peacemaker in and among the people in our world?
“May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
◊ Pray for the peace of Christ – Without His peace, we cannot seek peace. We need to be infused with the peace of our Savior. Pray also for a pure, forgiving heart and a renewed mind. Pray for a bold yet loving spirit. For love is at the root of all peacemaking.
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” – Romans 8:14
◊ Live out the Lord’s peace – His peace is the foundation for our peacemaking. Our lives are to radiate His peace to others. We need to be led by Jesus through His Spirit. He will guide, strengthen and encourage us as we walk in His steps on the path of peace.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
◊ Know your battles – It is key to have Holy Spirit discernment as to when to intervene and when to step back. Yet we are not to avoid conflict. Peacekeepers attempt to maintain peace at all costs, often leading to an unnatural peace and unhealthy compromises. Peacemakers face the real issues and seek God-honoring compromises.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
◊ Respond with grace– Conflict at its root is often due to unmet expectations. Peacemakers attempt to tackle issues with calmness and neutrality like our gracious Lord. Draw upon the fruit of the Spirit to work through underlying issues. Diffuse reactional emotions. Keep under control. Give grace.
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.” – Ephesians 2:14
◊ Mediate differences – Conflict can lead to hostility. We tend to cling tightly and stubbornly to our views and opinions. The resulting discord often causes either defensiveness or withdrawal, neither of which is healthy. Jesus came to tear down the walls of hostility. Exhibit a gentle spirit as you find common ground.
“Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19
◊ Build bridges – Contention and arguing can tear down bridges. Peacemakers promote respect and mutual understanding in a Christlike way. Encourage healthy discussion and active listening. Stay on topic. Use words wisely to build up, not tear down. Problem solve for successful negotiating.
“Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11
◊ Seek reconciliation – The goal of peacemaking is healed relationships. Jesus our Healer works with us as we promote peace. Remember His spirit of compassion. Demonstrate His love. See that any unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness is surrendered. Kindle a unity and harmony of mind and heart.
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” – James 3:18
The peace that passes all understanding that we receive from our Lord, we offer to our world. Yet time may be needed for complete healing. Until then, agree to disagree. Patiently await complete reconcilement. When resolution seems a long time coming, remember the harvest, the blessings promised for those who endure.
Peacemaking is not for the faint of heart. Jesus did not always seek the easy way. He was not afraid of conflict to resolve differences. Yet seeking peace needs to display a heart like Christ, the Author of Peace. As we endeavor to actively pursue peace in our world, we are recognized as kingdom children… a reflection of our Prince of Peace.
