Peace is the fruit of mutual accord; offer it munificently to others.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV.
In these first days of a new year, look once more at the “supreme blessedness” Jesus promised to those who embrace the lifestyle of the Kingdom of God. Read Mathew 5:1-12. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”Matthew 5:9 NIV. Our world, communities, homes, relationships, and our everyday lives need people who are peacemakers: people of peace who live in peace, people who value peace, and people who are instruments of peace. According to the Bible, peacemaking is not optional, “Be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you . . Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification . .” 2 Corinthians 13:11/Romans 14:19 NIV.
“There is . . joy for those who promote peace.” Proverbs 12:20 NIV. Peace among us begins first within us. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NIV. First and foremost, a peacemaker is a person at peace with God. Read Colossians 3:15-17 NKJV.
These words written long ago give wise advice, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.” (Saint Francis of Assisi 13th Century).
In such moments, what you sow will either promote peace or deepen strife; sow peace. “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18 NIV. Be patient. Peacemaking is a process – slow at times, rarely rushed – requiring patience and a posture of peace. “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit . . you also be patient.” James 5:7-8 NKJV. Growing peace with others is a lifestyle. Then, “Blessed . . you will be called the children of God.”Matthew 5:9 NIV.
Peace is not to be attained at any price; appeasement at the sacrifice of convictions rarely endures. But on occasion, peace may require the surrender of your insistence of being right or being first. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone . . When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Romans 12:18 NIV/Proverbs 16:7 NIV. Peace is the fruit of mutual accord, offering a more positive alternative. The initiative rests with the one who most values peace. Read Matthew 5:23-24 NIV. With God, making peace is your priority. “Whoever would love life and see good days. . he must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:10-11 NIV.
My prayer for you today is that you love peace and offer it munificently to others.