"Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18, NIV) The best thing that can happen to any family is to have a peace maker; someone who is able to see and reason beyond the present pressures of anger and offense; and take a wise decision that can ensure the preservation of the family. Some families are in shambles today; some marriages, churches, organisations, unions have disbanded and erupted in utter chaos because nobody was wise enough to stand for peace. It is not easy to be a peace maker. Peacemakers are usually regarded as fools and cowards because they purposely go the opposite direction when provoked. They speak and act to protect rather than destroy. I think the greatest demonstration of love is to make peace. A peacemaker swallows his or her pride everyday. On every occasion, peacemakers are insulted, abused, taken for granted. Little wonder, there are so few of them. But God has called us into peace - to become peacemakers .
I know of a man who calls himself "man of peace". And by that he means that he does not "look for trouble"; but he is always quick to add that if you bring trouble to him, he is going to give you back trouble. The term peace is greatly misunderstood. If we can all grasp and apply correctly the concept of peace, shalom, eirene - the world will be a better place.
God has called us into peace; and there is no righteousness unless we make ourselves peacemakers. We must be willing to forfeit our right so that peace can reign. Jesus taught in the scripture that if someone were to take your coat from you, you should also willingly give him your shirt. Jesus was telling us what it means to be a peacemaker. Today, we have fire for fire christian. Nobody is ready and willing to make peace. Today, you have christian who are in no taking terms with their neighbours, co-workers, family members and even fellow brethren in the church. How dwelleth the love of God in such people?
To be continued...