Being Churches of Peace

Are you a peacemaker or an agitator? Jesus told His followers, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).

Paul echoed this sentiment. Whatever believers do, they are to “pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19). This is the same advice the apostle gave the Corinthians with regard to spiritual gifts. Gifts are to be exercised for the edification of the church, not the glorification of the gifted person. If believers are guided by the principle of peacemaking and edifying, the church will be strengthened and blessed by peace. Paul exhorted believers to “examine” and “test” themselves to make sure that what they did proceeded from faith (2 Cor. 13:5).

Let’s commit ourselves to making our churches congregations of peace, where members encourage and edify one another. One immediate step toward peacemaking is to pray for someone with whom you may have a conflict. See if that small act doesn’t reap big rewards.