The Path Of A Peacemaker A Devotional By P. Brian NobleEsimerkki

“The Essential Attitude”

As we go about the pursuit of peace with others, humility is key. Arrogance not only won’t help two people or two groups iron out their differences but in fact will make the situation worse. Arrogance represents adding-gas-to-fire stupidity. When humility steps in, on the other hand, Jesus wins. When humility steps in, we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. 

Respectful communication demonstrates the gospel. We connect to the things of God, which, in turn, connects us with the people we’re dealing with. This increases the chances that we’ll connect to our goal of a peaceful outcome.

“Part of humility is taking responsibility for my sin and asking forgiveness even when it doesn’t feel good,” said Pastor Chip Ingram. “God wants to heal and restore your relationships,

but it’s not easy.”

Humility requires a Christ-based attitude, not a culture-based attitude. When a wide receiver scores a touchdown, the crowd exalts him for his efforts and, to some degree, for his ego-fueled end zone celebration. But in peacemaking efforts, God exalts us for our willingness to empty ourselves of ego and humble ourselves as bond-servants of Christ.

This is expressed in Philippians 2:5–9 (NASB): “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him.”

Of course, emptying and humbling ourselves is easier said than done. Alone, we can’t do this, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we can. And when God reshapes us and the person we are reconciling with, he will deserve all the glory.

Think of humility in terms of emptying. What aspects of pride, bitterness, or unforgiveness do you need to remove from your heart in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live at peace?