Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:14-22 & Matthew 5:9
A peacemaker is a person who works to bring people together, to settle disagreements, and to end arguments.
God wants all of us to be peacemakers. Being a peacemaker isn't something that comes naturally. In order for us to be the peacemakers that God wants us to be we must work at it. We must train ourselves. How do we do that?
Here are five steps that ever person who wants to obey God by becoming a peacemaker must train him or herself to follow:
One -- Identify the conflict. A peacemaker must take time to understand, as fully as possible the problem that is causing friction. Ask God to give you the wisdom you need to understand the situation (James 1:5). Peacemakers can't help diffuse situations they know nothing about.
Two -- Evaluate yourself. If the peacemaker is personally connected to the frictional situation, he must determine if he has contributed to the problem in any way. If so, the peacemaker must take steps to make amends to those whom he has hurt before he can help others work through a problem (Matthew 7:5).
Three --Select a course of action and determine to act on it. Once a peacemaker has identified the problem, he needs to decide how to resolve it and take action to put his plan into effect. Remember, any action taken should be done with love and in obedience to God's expected behavior (1 John 3:18).
Four -- Encourage communication. The peacemaker needs to be willing to initiate conversation with those on all sides of the conflict. He must confess his part in the conflict and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Then he must help the people from each side of the conflict to see their contributions, confess their failings, recognize the options for compromise, and facilitate reconciliation and healing (James 5:16).
Five -- Be thorough. Make sure every angle and every detail of the situation has been worked through by every person involved. Any "nits" left will fester and resurface later. The end result of peacemaking is to bring Christian brothers and sisters together, living as described in Philippians 1:27-28: "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News."
Ask God to help you to become the kind of peacemaker that He has created you to be.
"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." Colossians 3:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be the peacemaker You created me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.