The Sunday Sermonette – Are You A Peacemaker?

In light of the recent unpleasantness in our country over illegals, you might question whether or not Father God cares for everyone. Of course, He does. He cares for all His creations regardless of their age, nationality, ethnicity, or social status. When I see pictures of riots in the streets on the Evening News, I’m reminded that all humans are created in Father God’s image, which affords each of them inherent dignity, worth, and love.

In the Book of Matthew, the apostle reminds us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Romans instructs us to respect the laws of the land and submit to our governing authorities. Romans also states, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” And Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” This raises the central question of today’s sermonette: What does it truly mean to be a peacemaker in today’s social and political climate?

I humbly submit that true peacemakers seek not only to maintain a loving attitude toward those who might oppose them, they also take responsibility for their role in any conflict that might arise. A true peacemaker goes to great lengths to overlook conflicts and offenses. The aim is always to restore peace and harmony.

What if an offense is too blatant to be overlooked? Then, conversations laced with love, without a hint of condemnation, are in order. The hope is to calm the waters, so to speak. The God-given ability to negotiate and, hopefully, reconcile a bad situation characterizes a good peacemaker. Extoling mercy and forgiveness does as well. Think of the lives that could be saved, physical injuries lessened, mental anguish healed, and peace restored if we did.

The times we live in are frightening. Our country seems to be teetering on a precipice concerning the politics of illegal immigration. If you, as a peacemaker, choose to wade into this boiling cauldron of unrest, do so with boldness. Reach out, listen, and speak with compassion. Strive to be a bridge over troubled waters to those who divide us and sow misunderstanding. Please know that your efforts matter!

Even if your efforts don’t calm any waters, please remember one other caveat of being a peacemaker: it gives you a sense of peace. When you lay your head on your pillow at night, you’ll know you have done your best to make Father God’s world a better, more peaceful place. Dear ones, as you go through the years that await you, please seek tangible opportunities to be a peacemaker and “To live peaceably with all men.”

Ponder this and go forth.