“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NLT). After being snowed in last week, we continue our look at the Beatitudes. As you read the above Bible verse. I am almost certain a face of someone popped into your head. You know the person, who can walk into the middle of a conflict and bring a calming presence. One which can take even the most volatile situation, bring about the best for everyone involved. Causing everyone involved to feel better about themselves.
On the other side of the coin of course, is the individual who can come into the midst of the conflict and take the smallest squabble and turn it into WWIII. Instead of looking for the truth and what is best for those involved, trying to leave minimal to no casualties like the person above with the calming personality. This individual is out for power. Their goal is to make people have bad days and leave as many emotional dead and wounded as they possibly can.
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NLT). We are called to be peacemakers; no matter what type of personalities we have. Being a peacemaker or working for peace is what God wants from His disciples. Yet conflict is all around us. Wither it is found at work, at home, within ourselves, or even at church. We cannot escape conflict. So instead of escaping it we are called to be peacemakers. We are called to search and standup for truth. We are to work for the betterment of humanity. We who call ourselves Christians are to be ambassadors of Christ. Bottom line up front (BLUF) we are called to be peacemakers/ people who work for peace. But if conflict can be found everywhere, even at times within ourselves how can we work for peace?
I’m glad you asked. The first way to become a peacemaker, is to understand not every form of conflict is bad. There are times when conflict stretches us, pushes us out of our comfort zone. Conflict can be used to teach us and grow us into the likeness of Christ.
Of course there is conflict which can threaten our very life, both literally and metaphorically speaking. This is where we are called to search for and stand up for the truth. These are the times we are called to work for betterment of humanity; to be ambassadors of Christ love to a lost and broken world. These are time we are to be peacemakers.
If the first step is picking our battles or knowing the nature of the conflict. Then the second step would be to check our motivation. Why are you stepping into the conflict? Is it based in truth and the love of Christ? Or is your motivation to have your voice heard and have your agenda advanced? If you are in it for yourself, you will make things worse and leave behind a great deal of casualties. If you are entering the conflict because of your love of God, His truth and humanity then your motivation is on track.
Third process the hurt. Things can get personal quick when two or more people are in conflict. I do not know who said it, but I am sure you have heard this before, “Hurting people, hurt people”. Therefore it is important to listen to both sides. Trying to locate what the root of the problem is and seek to focus solely on that issue.
Fourth do not assume anything, remember what happens when you assume. Again listen, get at the heart of the matter. Talk personally with all parties involved if you can and always work from the truth and not assumptions.
Finally, if you are going to be a peacemaker you have to be at peace yourself. This is more than being comfortable in your own skin. This is knowing God fully and understanding that you are a child of God. This is following the guidance of the Holy Spirit at all times instead of venturing down your own bunny trails.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NLT). This is not a call, just for those with calming personalities it is for all of us. So when you find yourself in conflict this week? Notice I didn’t say if, but when. Will you seek to understand the conflict/picking your battles. Will you check your motivation for entering the fray? Will you listen and process the hurt, including your own? Will you seek to be at peace in the midst of the storm? There are enough people who step in and make the situation worse. As a Christian you are called to be a peacemaker, so get out there and get going. Pastor Travis out.
