November 25:   We are Peacemakers

By Bassey Ekong
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Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." "Peacemaker" is used in only one other place in the New Testament, in a slightly different form. Colossians 1:20, "For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him [Jesus], and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross."

Jesus laid down His life to make peace between God and sinners, and when we can carry that message of peace to others, we are peacemakers. God delights in those who reconcile others to Himself—those who bring the gospel are “beautiful” (Isaiah 52:7). The gospel is the ordinance of peace. Anybody who has the gospel, the Word of God in his/her life has peace. God has said, Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV), “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God wants us to be at peace with ourselves and with our fellow human being.

God “reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). Those who bring reconciliation to broken relationships are carrying on the work of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Those who give of themselves as Jesus did in order that others may know God are called "blessed." There is no real peace apart from a relationship with God (Romans 5:1). What may masquerade as worldly peace is merely a temporary lull in chaos (John 14:27). True peace is found only in a restored relationship with God. “‘There is no peace,’ says the LORD, ‘for the wicked’” (Isaiah 48:22). Only children of God can bring the peace of knowing God to others. A person must have a real relationship with God before he or she can help someone else know God. Those who witness for Christ, share their faith with their friends, and serve others in the name of Christ are the ambassadors for peace this verse identifies (see also Matthew 10:41-42). Those who bring the wonderful message of God's peace to the world are "peacemakers," and Jesus calls them the "children of God." Are you a peacemaker?

Note: Christianity is a ministry founded in love. The true love that God loves us all and which He demonstrates in Jesus Christ. If you’re a true Christian, please, make peace with yourself and share the peace that’s in your heart with others, and you’ll be worthy of being accepted as a true child of God.

Let’s pray: Lord, please help me be at peace with myself and with my immediate environment as well as with the people around me. I want to honor you with my life and glorify Your name with my words, thought and deeds. Help me Lord to be a peacemaker as my worship to Your holy name, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s reading: Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2

God Put Us Here to be Peacemakers.