More Peacemaking

Providentially, I was reading last night in John MacArthur's Daily Readings from the life of Christ and this is the entry for the day I was reading, even though it is not that day on the calendar. Here it is.

"Peacemakers help others to make peace with others. Once you see your duty as a peacemaker in the world, you'll be looking for ways to build bridges between people and God and then to build them between persons.

By definition a bridge can't be one sided. It must extend between two sides or in can never function. And once built it continues to need support o both sides or it will collapse. In any relationship our first responsibility is to see that our own side has a strong base. But we also have the responsibility to help the one on the other side build his base. Both must be built on righteousness ad truth or the bridge will not stand.

Often the first step in the process is to confront others about their sin, which is the supreme barrier to peace (Matt. 18:15-17). Such confrontation usually causes turmoil, yet the way to righteousness is the only way to peace. Sin that is not dealt with is sin that will disrupt and destroy peace.

Finally,
a peacemaker finds a point of agreement. God's truth and righteousness must never be compromised or weakened. But we are to contend without being contentious, to disagree without being disagreeable, and to confront without being abusive. The peace maker must speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

When you hunger and thirst for holiness in your own life, you'll have a passionate desire to see those virtues in the lives of others. That is a true peacemaker."

A continuation from yesterday's thought is that we are not to try to have peace at the cost of unrighteousness. I really get that this is difficult, as most people, myself included, don't want others confronting them on their sin, but this is our responsibility in the Body. Holiness, unity, edification, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, meekness, mercy and all the fruit of the Spirit and the beatitudes are all areas we need to grow and change in. If we are growing and passionate about where God is leading us and the growth that He is placing in our own lives, we must be encouraging others toward that same end. If they can have the joy that comes from following Christ and we aren't an instrument in their pursuit, then we are fulfilling our calling as fellow heirs.

I hope this encourages you to be bold, even if it's hard, to desire to be a peacemaker. The reward for being a peacemaker is that we will be called sons of God. I want that.