“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
Jesus tells us how to develop a reputation as a child of God. Be a peacemaker! Note first of all that people who make peace are happy and blessed. They are pure in relation to God and that produces a forgiving spirit and a peaceable attitude. They listen to proposals of peace and are ready to forgive others. Peacemakers do all they can to reconcile differences, and to promote Christian love among brothers and sisters.
Paul explains it this way, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). I suppose it wouldn’t be too hard to forgive and be at peace with others, if we would simply clothe ourselves with these virtues.
In another place Jesus said “unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!’ (Luke 17:1 & Mt. 18:7 KJV). Paul takes it a step further, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13).
We have all been discriminated against, insulted, experienced personal attacks and offended in someway or other. It is simply a fact of human life. Yet, we must not forget our own prejudices, insults, and offensive speech and behavior. We aren’t lilly white either. Yet, forgiveness covers it all at the Cross!
Because of our relationship with Christ, God adopts us into his family. How will he react to those who practice enmity toward one another? The children of this world love to fight, but the children of God love peace.
Dear Father, thank you for your forgiveness and peace. Forgive us for our offences. O God, deliver us from a mean-spirited attitude and clothe us with gentleness and patience. Empower us to love one another and be at peace. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today as a child of God,