Today's Message: LET US BE PEACEMAKERS

Praise the Lord!!

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Peacemaking is not running away from the problem. It is not pretending that the problem doesn't exist. It is not passivity. It does not mean that we should give up our identity. It is not appeasement - always giving in and letting the other people have their own way. It is taking all efforts to bring peace and harmony among people. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, "Happy are the peacemakers". (WNT) He did not say, "Happy are the peace lovers" because everyone loves peace or "Happy are the peaceable" - those who never get disturbed by anything. He said, "Happy are those who make peace - who actively seek to resolve conflict". We have to be peacemakers because firstly, unresolved conflicts block our fellowship with God. We cannot have a close fellowship with God and hate others at the same time. Rick Warren writes, "When you are out of fellowship with people - horizontal - you are out of fellowship vertically". Secondly, if we harbor enmity in our hearts, God will not answer our prayers. Matthew 5 says reconciliation is a prerequisite for worship. When we go to the altar of God to present our offering and remember somebody has something against us, we should first go, make peace with that person, and then go back to the Lord's presence. Jesus said that it is only we, who should take the initiative. It doesn't matter if we are the offended or the offender, it is always our move first. Let kind and gracious words come from our mouth. Let us not condemn the other person or criticize them. Instead let us say things that build them up, not put them down. "Be a bridge builder- not a bridge tearer", writes Rick Warren. The hallmark of a Christian ought to be our ability to get along with other people. Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone".

Dear friends, God has given us the ministry of reconciliation of peacemaking. Let us do it and make it known to the world that we are the children of the living God.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, let me seek to resolve conflicts between two persons. But before that let me be at peace with others and with you. Let me forgive everyone and not hold grudges against anyone. Let me reveal to the world that I am the child of the Lord of Peace. In Jesus name. Amen.