Reach4Life- Journey 4: ChangeSample

DAY EIGHT: MAKING PEACE

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” – Colossians 3:13, NIV

LISTEN

A man once built a fence between himself and his neighbour, whom he didn’t like. Then God told him to make peace. With tears in his eyes, he broke down the fence and, using the same wood, made a path from his door to the neighbour’s door.

Our world is hurting because of the fences of hostility, prejudice and superiority. God calls us to build paths instead of fences.

LOOK

Colossians 3:8-15

LEARN

Why overcome division and hostility between people?

When we follow Jesus we are no longer mainly identified by our class, culture, race or gender, but by our new identity in God (v10) as God’s loved and chosen people. It means that a Nigerian Christian has more in common with an American or Chinese Christian than they do with their non-Christian Nigerian friend! We are united by our common relationship with God. Therefore we are not divided by our race, culture, class, gender, level of education and level of wealth. Christ is all and is in all (v11).

How do we seek peace?

· Be set free from anger and hate (v8)

· Become compassionate, kind, humble and gentle; patient, forgiving and loving (v12-13)

· Most importantly, allow God’s love to bind us together in unity and peace (v14-15)

· Change must start with the church (v12).

Why do we seek peace?

If God’s people don’t know how to make peace, then there’s no hope. Become a peacemaker (Matt 5:9). The Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen you.

LIVE

· How have you experienced prejudice, division and hostility in your family, school, community and country?

· What changes must happen in your heart?

· How can you become a peacemaker?

· Where can you start?

LINK

For more on Making Peace, read:

Matthew 5:23-24