“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
When we look around at our world, we see everything but peace. There is turmoil and strife in many countries, and people are suffering because of it. There is not too much we can do about those situations, but as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ we have the opportunity to bring peace to those within our homes and communities.
The Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthian church: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” II Corinthians 13:11.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” These words were part of Jesus’ final message to His disciples.
Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
As we let the Holy Spirit direct our lives from day to day, His peace will fill our hearts and it will be manifested to those with whom we come in contact.
One example of a peacemaker in the Bible is found in I Samuel chapter 25. When her husband had refused to provide food for David’s men, and treated them unkindly, Abigail found a way to settle the matter without bloodshed. Because of her actions, God blessed her. Take time to read this story for yourself.
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
Blessed are those who have received peace and bring peace to others, for they are the children of God. What better way to bring peace to others than to share the good news of salvation, that they too may become the children of God.
To summarize what we have been looking at the last few days, here are the steps to become part of God’s kingdom and to be considered blessed:
- Recognize our deep need
- Repent
- Change our attitude
- Desire to know God and His Word
- Have a forgiving spirit
- Purify our hearts
- Follow after peace
I know there are two more of these promises of blessing, but my time has run out, so maybe we will pick them up another time. Thank you for taking the time to read these each day and I trust that they have been a blessing to you.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for the peace that you have settled deep in our souls. Thank you for showing us the way that we can be blessed and be a blessing to others.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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