“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5: 10). It doesn’t surprise me one bit that the blessing that comes from this attitude is it that “they will be called children of God.” Because, in living this way we are seeking to do what God has done–we are seeking to love people with HIS love. It’s the devil who is the troublemaker!
I believe that the key the key to seeking peace with all those around us is being at peace with ourselves. I see so many people that have not found this inner peace that, I believe, comes from a saving relationship with Jesus. When we recognize that Jesus not only died for OUR sin but lived AND died so that we might have a new life, we often find it easier to forgive ourselves. Indeed, when we ask for forgiveness from God and seek to turn our sin around….He promises to not remember it and we are able to move on.
As I have pointed out before (and yes, Jesus IS amazing!), as we learn to trust God with everything in our life (spiritual poverty, “Blessed are the poor in spirit”); as we mourn the sin in our life (“Blessed are those who mourn“)’; as we find the strength of not always having to have all the answers (meekness, “Blessed are the meek“); as we hunger and thirst to always do what is right (“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness“); as we become an active part of our life in this world my showing mercy to those around us (“Blessed are the merciful“)…….our heart begins to become pure (“Blessed are the pure in heart“) and it becomes easier for us to live a life reconciled with those around us, always seeking peace in our relationships (“Blessed are the peacemakers“).
Do you see how these attitudes build on each other?
When we allow God to be OUR peace, it is easier to at peace with those around us and seek peace.
Colossians 1:19-20 ( TNIV )
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Jesus], 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.Ephesians 2:14-18 ( TNIV )
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
May you live in peace with God and with those around you. May you seek peace on all levels in your life. An may you, as a child of God, see His face in all that surrounds your life.