Practical Peace-making

Proverbs 16-18; Romans 12 

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…Do not repay anyone evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…”

Romans 12:14, 17-19

Practical peacemaking in relationships is costly and courageous. Peacemakers bless and do not curse. In response to evil, peacemakers respond with generosity and practical love that feeds, clothes, and shelters. Peacemaking, like forgiveness, is a choice we make each day before the circumstances of the day confront us. Peacemaking is a lifestyle, rather than just a response to evil. We are to live at peace with everyone. Peace with God brings the peace of God to fill our lives through which we approach all of life. We trust in God’s ultimate justice to punish evil and we live with gratitude for the grace and forgiveness we have received in Christ.

Does this describe our lives?

Peacemakers are blessed and called children of God.

“Lord Jesus, fill me with your peace, for your glory.”