Thank you for reading the message this week. I hope that everyone is doing well, and I want to thank the Lord for giving me the ministry of posting messages here on the blog.
Last week, we finished our series of messages in which we examined some some of the characteristics that will be in evidence in the life of a person who is trying to live with love directing their lives. Love is what Jesus was, and is, all about. When we follow Jesus, we will live a life of love.
We are changing directions and beginning a new series of messages this week. For the next few weeks, I want us to look at what the Bible has to say about peace. We need peace in this world. We need peace between nations and between individuals. We need to have peace in our own hearts and minds.
Let's start by seeing what the Bible means by peace. The word most often used for peace in the Bible is Shalom. This means tranquility and safety. Some scholars have stated that it refers to a sense of wholeness within a person's life. In the Bible, peace refers to absence of physical conflict. Peace is not true peace unless it is the Shalom kind of peace that means wholeness which includes justice. Peace also has a deeply spiritual sense in the Bible especially in the teachings of Jesus. He is the one who through His life, ministry and continuing presence is the source of all true peace.
Today, I want us to look into the fact the the Bible tells us that we are to be peacemakers. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called the children of God." In I Peter 3:11 we read, "Turn away from evil and do good, search for peace and work to maintain it."
As followers of Jesus, it is our duty to work for peace in this world. We should as followers of the Prince of Peace never be the ones who are clamoring for war. We should be the one's seeking peace with justice in the conflicts of this world.
Being a peacemaker begins at the interpersonal level. We should try always to avoid being quarrelsome and causing strife within our relationships. We shouldn't stir up trouble. Instead, we should be the ones who seek to defuse tense situations and bring a sense of calmness in antagonistic situations.
As followers of Jesus, we can be practical peacemakers when we find ways to help our friends, colleagues and family members find ways to reconcile with one another and find common ground.
One way that we can be peacemakers in our relationships is to be the kind of person that is willing to forgive and not hold a grudge. Another way to maintain peace in relationships is to be kind and follow the Golden Rule set down by Jesus. Speaking words that heal and help and not speaking words that hurt and tear down is another practical way to be a peacemaker on the interpersonal level.
There is, of course, another aspect of pursuing peace. As Christians, we need to be involved in promoting justice and goodness in the world. As our Scripture from Peter talks about, we have to turn from evil and do good. We shine a light into the darkness.
War, fighting and conflicts often occur when there is injustice in a situation. By working to end injustices, we are promoting peace, we are seeking peace and helping to maintain it.
Poverty, hunger, lack of medical care, unfair wages, oppression of the poor by the rich and the weak by the strong, racism, ethnic discrimination: these are some of the injustices that build up resentments and lead to conflicts. When we work to end these injustices, we will see peace.
As believers, we need to find ways to address the injustice situations in our world. Inequality leads to a lack of harmony. We can as believers work together to build a better world as we follow the teachings and commandments of the Lord Jesus.
We need to speak up for what is right, and we need to do what is right.
Finally, let me say a word about praying for peace. This is so important. Each week here on the blog, I mention nations in conflict that need our prayers for peace. We must always pray for peace, and we must be the peacemakers as the Lord Jesus gives us the opportunity.
Ultimate peace on every level comes through Jesus. Following the teachings of Jesus brings peace. Knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord brings peace. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I want to thank the Lord that our new manager at work so far seems like a really nice person. Things are better at my job, so I am going to try and stay there for the time being. I am also thankful to the Lord for helping me get the debt on my house paid. Thank you for your prayers.
Keep praying for those affected by the storms. The US is still recovering from the hurricanes, and Spain is still dealing with flooding.
Pray for peace in the world. Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and Haiti really need our prayers. Pray that the hostages in Gaza will be released.
I haven't heard much about some of the disease outbreaks that were occurring. Let us pray that no more will occur.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for those living in the nations of Cambodia and Yemen. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue with our current series. I will have a message about Thanksgiving the following week. For Advent, I will probably have a couple of Christmas messages. I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all.
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