Peace and Peacemaking
Peace in the Bible speaks to God's gift of wholeness. It is one part quietness and rest and another part health and welfare. But so often, and especially in Christian circles, we treat peace like the absence of conflict. Whether in relationships or organizations, the way through to true peace is to address issues that interrupt quietness, rest, health, welfare, and wholeness. So it follows that peacemakers are creating ways for wholeness. Imagine that peace is a cure for disease, and peacemakers are like doctors who find ways to deliver the cure to sick patients.
Doctors must sometimes dig into wounds, perform open-heart surgery, amputate or transplant or use other extreme means to diagnose and treat disease. Likewise, true peacemakers must sometimes poke into hurting places, expose difficult truths, and appear to be divisive or destructive in the pursuit of real wholeness. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to the operating table to participate in peacemaking and the pursuit of peace. Here are a few passages to ponder with the Lord in prayer as you consider joining the family business.
Ephesians 4:2-6
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Doctors must sometimes dig into wounds, perform open-heart surgery, amputate or transplant or use other extreme means to diagnose and treat disease. Likewise, true peacemakers must sometimes poke into hurting places, expose difficult truths, and appear to be divisive or destructive in the pursuit of real wholeness. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to the operating table to participate in peacemaking and the pursuit of peace. Here are a few passages to ponder with the Lord in prayer as you consider joining the family business.
Ephesians 4:2-6
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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Posted in peace, scriptures about peace, peacemaking, peacemaker, God of peace, Prince of Peace
Posted in peace, scriptures about peace, peacemaking, peacemaker, God of peace, Prince of Peace
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