Can You Be a Peacemaker?

We have a great deal of brokenness in our world. Even in our little corner, we have broken relationships, broken lives and broken hearts. How can we manage to put those things back together? Aren’t forces working against us?

I’d like to suggest that you can be a “Peacemaker” because Jesus calls us all to use our skills and love one another.

In James, we are told, “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18 (NLT)

There is a difference between this and peacekeeping. When I think about it, I remember the term “UN Peacekeeping Forces”. I just think about how peacekeepers likely focus on the rising tensions and work hard so that things don’t boil over! They seem to want to put up barriers between opposing sides, so they can just ‘keep the peace.’ 

Pastor Rick Warren offers keys to being a peacemaker !!! Why, because we “plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” That’s a pretty good reward!

1. Make the first move - “While we were still sinners….” Jesus didn’t wait for us to apologize or anything else. Look at Romans 5:8.
2. Ask God for wisdom. Look at James 1:5. Seek the ability to make wise decisions in this circumstance!!
3. Start with your own confession. No matter how small a part you played…
4. Listen to the other person's point of view. Read Philippians 2:4-5. This is a positive step in bringing about unity.
5. Speak truth tactfully. How you say it matters. Read Ephesians 4:15. Speak the truth but do it in a loving manner.
6. Fix the problem, not the blame.
7. Focus on reconciliation. Sometimes we cannot resolve all the issues but we can re-establish a relationship. 

Rick Warren said “Peacemakers can disagree without being disagreeable. That’s called maturity.”

Where might it be necessary for your realm to simply have peacekeepers?

Can you think of a time when you needed to focus more on 'reconciliation'?

Go forth and seek out those opportunities where you can plant seeds of peace.

Peace be with all of you who are in Christ!

"His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray