Daily Reading: Matthew 5
Scripture Focus: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5.9)
Devotional Thought: Political enmities, national enemies, and business entities all strive to assert their control and superiority. Strife and stress abound. But, children of God are called to be peacemakers. How are we to be peacemakers? Look no further than the rest of this chapter...
We make peace when we...
· Are salt in a decaying and tasteless world. Salt is used both as a preservative and a flavoring. When the salt of the Kingdom is present in our lives, we help others "taste and see that the Lord is good."
· Light the way for others. When I get lost or am uncertain of my way, I experience anxiety which comes out in terse words. I can reduce the internal stress of others, by helping them find their way.
· Fulfill the law of God. Most interpersonal strife comes from people failing to obey the 10 Commandments in their relationships. The Royal Law of God is to love others. When we fulfill that law, we are making peace.
· Seek reconciliation. Instead of hiding and denying our faults and our offenses, we need to be reconciled to those whom we have offended - whether intentional or not! The Psalmist said, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133)
· Refuse to use people. Marriage is not an occasion to dominate, but to serve. Lusting after another is a form of using them for your own ends. We need to refuse these things.
· Engage in communication not 'trickeration.' Simple communication enhances trust and openness. Uncertainty breeds strife. Clarity brings peace.
· Turn the other cheek. Don't strike back. It's hard to sustain an argument alone!
· Love your enemies. That disarms them, defusing their anger.
Are you a peacemaker, a child of God?
Prayer: Lord, help me to live according to your teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. May peace multiply in me and around me that I might ever live as a child of God. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 88.13-18
13 But I, O Lord, cry to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me?
15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
your dreadful assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long;
they close in on me together.
18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
my companions have become darkness.
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