Posted on 03/11/2019 8:09:27 AM PDT by metmom
“‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God’” (Matthew 5:9).
The great enemy of peace is sin. Sin separates people from God and causes disharmony and enmity with Him. To talk of peace without establishing the need for repentance from sin is foolish. The corrupt religious leaders of ancient Israel proclaimed, “Peace, peace,” but there was no peace, because they and the rest of the people were not “ashamed because of the abomination they had done” (Jer. 8:11–12).
To be an effective peacemaker, you must recognize that any conflict is the result of sin. If you separate conflicting parties from each other but don’t confront their sin, at best you will create only a temporary truce. You can’t circumvent sin; it is the source of every conflict.
In what appears on the surface to be the antithesis of the seventh beatitude, Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). His meaning is clear: the peace He brings is not peace at any price. The sword Christ uses is His Word—the sword of truth and righteousness. Like the surgeon’s scalpel, it must cut before it heals, because peace cannot exist where sin remains.
To be a peacemaker you must live a holy life and call others to embrace the gospel of holiness.
Ask Yourself
How have you seen sin decimate and destroy relationships? How has your own sin contributed to whatever strain exists between you and another person? If you have not yet repented of a sin that has caused distance between you and someone else, choose repentance today. If others need correction, ask for the Lord’s grace and supply in seeking it.
Studying God’s Word ping
I would add that we need to forgive others for the wrongs they committed against us as well.
Paul tells us that inasmuch as it lies in our ability, to be at peace with all men.
We do our part and are responsible for that, and leave the rest to God.
When we forgive, then God is free to deal with the other person as He knows needs to happen.
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