June 26 – Matthew 5:9, 43-48
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Peacemaking is such a radical concept and action in today’s world, where everything is anything but peaceful. How do we, as Christians, counter the angst, anger, confusion, and unrest? With prayer. Verse 44, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”. Ohhhh, ouch, pray for the ones who do us harm? Yikes! Sometimes, that takes such holy
courage! We learned about such courage in our last study, right? So we should be well prepared and equipped, for we have the Holy Spirit of courage!
To be called children of God, we must meet all things in peace and leave peace in our wake. If someone describes us and the adjective ‘peaceful’ is omitted, it is time to reevaluate our hearts. Know that I say this as a person who still struggles to be peaceful. My inner self can be chaotic and in complete turmoil and unrest. I cannot sit still, and my brain is never quiet. I am quite incapable of peace. But God is not so. And through Him, I can obtain that peace. And so can you! If you encounter a peaceful Melissa… know it is ALL God! It is something I have to start the day with, asking God for peace and, at the end of the day, asking Him, ‘How did I do?’
Being peaceful does not mean being passive, complacent, and not standing up for what is right or vocal about a cause. But it does mean not going into it intentionally to cause strife with other followers of Christ. We are to bring the peace where there is no peace. As we discussed yesterday, peace comes so much easier if we are pure in heart. Remember, too, that Jesus is peace. So when we talk about that peace, we also talk about our Jesus, Peace Himself. When we walk through our daily lives, are we bringing Peace with us?
My Verse: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
My Response: My Father in Heaven, You and I both know so well how unpeaceful I am as a human being. My nature is completely opposite of how You intend me to be. But as a child of God… I can be who You designed me to be. I ask You once again, keep peace in my heart, remind me that Peace is there within me and that I don’t have to toil and drown in unrest.
(Further Reading: 1 John 2:28-3:10)
