Red Words in Scripture

PEACEMAKERS WILL BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9 You’re blessed when you can show others how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. The Message

PEACE: HARMONY, AGREEMENT, friendship, unity, order, reconciliation, tranquil, tranquility, calm, irenic

Barclay translates this: ”Blessed are those who produce right relationships in every sphere of life, for they are doing a God-like work.”

I don’t like conflict so I’m pretty good at keeping the peace. But Jesus refers to peace makers – not peace keepers. Peace keepers (myself included) avoid conflict, give in to the status quo rather than speak up when things may need to change. Peace makers must be active in facilitating peace.

Barclay in his book Plain People Look at the Beatitudes suggests we need to make peace with ourselves, with others and with God. A civil war rages inside most of us. For example Paul in Romans 7:19 tells us “The good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not I do.” Our flesh wants to run things. Integration of our two natures and true inner peace only come through surrender to Christ.

Right relationships with others means we let go of all bitterness, forgiving our enemies. Christ enables us to forgive even our worst enemy. Christ enables us to be at peace with others and to share the peace of Christ.

Right relationship with God includes our seeking him daily, surrendering daily, and enjoying his presence rather than avoiding him. The promise is that we will be sons and daughters of God. As we grow we will look more and more like Him! What a promise.

NO GOD, NO PEACE, KNOW GOD, KNOW PEACE

Peace is a theme of Jesus life and ministry. Isaiah predicted he would be the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6. Luke tells of angels singing at his birth “On earth, peace, good will to men.” Luke 2:4. He often told sinners to “Go in peace!” Before his crucifixion he said to his disciples: “My peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

His first word to the disciples after his resurrection was Shalom – Peace.

Father,

I’ve been at war with myself in the past but have out grown much of this by learning of You, and dying to self gradually. (I'm still a work in progress, or course.) I’m generally a peacekeeper in all my relationships. Now I’m learning to be a peacemaker. I’m learning to keep the peace without compromising my right to be respected and heard. I’m also actively reaching out to help, cooperate and share your peace with others. Fill me with your peace and guide me in sharing it. Thank you for Your peace in my heart.

Blessings, Dottie