Got Change?Sample

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS As children of God, we are called to bring peace and not stir up strife or division or discord. God’s children are duty-bound to be peacemakers, in so far as it depends on them (Romans 12:18). It is only the light of the gospel that can bring true and lasting peace, of which we are the carriers. The Bible also says that the Lord hates those who sow discord and conflict (Prov. 6:19). Conflict is sowed when there is no genuine love for people. Take a look at this verse: Hatred stirs up conflict, but genuine love covers all sins (Prov. 10:12). So we need to stay clear from hidden agendas or selfish ambitions and let our love be genuine. Jesus is the ultimate example of one who brought peace. He is the Prince of Peace. He brought peace between us and God by offering His own life as a ransom. We are to follow the example of our Savior. That is, to do everything we can on our part to pursue peace with everyone and bring peace where needed. The Hebrew word ‘Shalom’ in the OT which is generally translated as peace means “wholeness” or “completeness”. So, when we are called to pursue peace it doesn’t just mean absence of, or avoiding trouble, but to bring wholeness. We bring this wholeness through our loving words and deeds. Some of the common reasons of discord in relationships happen when we speak evil of someone behind their back, spread unwanted gossip, bear false-witness or take sides when settling an issue. - We would do better to keep ourselves from gossip and backbiting. - Never take sides, but be willing to listen to people without prejudice and take the issue to an elderly person if needed. - Do not give a false-witness or speak of something that you do not know of. - It is better to keep quiet on matters we do not fully know, than to stir up trouble. May God make us the carriers of His peace wherever we go, so that we spread the fragrance of the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 2:14) The CHALLENGE to Change: If you have been one who has stirred up contention or brought division and discord in a family or church or team, repent today and ask him to give you a heart that seeks peace and pursues it. We have a responsibility as God’s people to spread the fragrance of God’s love. Let us practice self-control, honesty, integrity and tolerance so that we show ourselves as whole and complete in Him, God being our helper!