Leadership Thought:  A Lesson on Peacemaking for Christians in a Contentious Culture.

Dear Friends,

Someone once described peace as that glorious moment in history when everyone stops to reload. This seems to be an apt description of our politically charged culture. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t hear, see, or personally experience some major form of contention between people. Sadly, this bitter and contentious culture is destroying relationships and fracturing churches.

As Christian we are called to be peacemakers. Sowing seeds of peace is an active responsibility.  It means obeying the Word of God. Christians are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14).

It doesn’t matter how many verses we can quote, or how many sermons we have heard, if we do not live out the truth of God’s word in our everyday actions.

We cannot harm or speak ill of others if we are truly seeking to be peacemakers. We cannot expect good things to result from harmful actions

Scripture tells us, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey." (Luke 11:28) We are not called just to maintain peace, but we are called to promote peace.

One of the greatest lessons our Lord has taught us is not only to love our friends and family but to also love our enemies (Luke 6:27-28). Yes, I know this is easier said than done. It is not easy to love those who fight against us, who hate us and would seek to harm us.

But Jesus teaches us not repay evil for evil, and not to retaliate against those with whom we disagree. Prior to His crucifixion He was mocked, spat on, insulted, and humiliated beyond imagination. And what was His response. He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing” (Luke 23-24).

It is difficult to love difficult people, but this is just what Jesus said we need to do. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Luke 11:28).

Being a peacemaker promises a wonderful blessing for Jesus says, “peacemakers shall be called sons or God. “

But Jesus’ promise on peacemaking is spoken to those who are called his “sons” and daughters, his spiritual children. It is those who have trusted in Jesus and who have received Him as Lord and Savior of their lives who   have the resources of the Holy Spirit within who possess the ability to love their enemies.

This morning I came across a wonderful acrostic that will assist us in our peace-making mission. The acrostic CALM provides a simple guideline to peace making

C-Control over oneself

A-Act on God’s Word

L-Love difficult people

M-Mediate the conflict

Let us become peacemakers today.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom

P.S. “Anyone can love peace. Jesus didn’t say blessed are the peace lovers. He says blessed are the peacemakers. He is referring to a life vocation, not a hobby on the sidelines of life.” Jim Wallis