Are you called to be a peacemaker?
Romans 12:18 – If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
You don’t have to look far to see turbulence. People feel like small boats on stormy seas that are tossed this way and that by coronavirus, economic woes, demonstrations and protests in the streets, election irregularities, and social injustices. Going into the holidays, it seems to be made worse by family disputes, holiday isolations, and separation from fellow worshippers. Proverbs 29:8-9 in the Berean Study Bible says, “The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns. Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.” You can apply this verse broadly across more than poverty and more than a city. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Peacemakers actively look for means to resolve conflict. They don’t create it. But peace doesn’t just come out of thin air. You cannot accidentally stumble your way into peace. Peace doesn’t come by merely appeasing those who would do harm. You cannot calm the wicked seas of a hurting nation without first seeking calmness in your own person. That process begins with having personal peace with God. This spiritual peace enhances your confidence in Him. You are called to be a peacemaker, so do not be afraid to take the initiative. Others will seldom make the first move. Pray for a clear definition of the problems, seek to understand others, and have empathy (Philippians 2:4). Separate out the emotions and work towards reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Lean heavily on the Holy Spirit to guide you into the truth (John 16:13). Speak in love and seek a common place of cooperation. Never forget that the churning of those seas could be the actions of the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, or spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). Then, having prayed and done what you can, fix your eyes on Jesus. He is the true way to calm the troubled seas of life.
Pray With Us
Dear Jesus, when You spoke to the winds and the waves on the Sea of Galilee, they instantly obeyed You. Today’s turbulence is caused by the instigation of wicked forces we cannot see. These can only be settled by Your power. Give us grace and wisdom as we seek resolutions to the conflicts in our personal relationships and within our sphere of influence. Give us the courage to follow Your path through it. It is not an easy task to be a peacemaker and so I pray for strength today. Keep our eyes fixed upon You, our Prince of Peace, Amen.
- Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance if you are entering into a peacemaking phase.
- Pray for God to keep your mind and your thoughts pure.
- Pray for God to give you clarity in knowing what is right and good. (“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20).
- Ask God to protect you from things, spiritual or physical, that distract you from what God has called you to do.
- Pray that God would direct you to Scriptures that help make clear the solutions to problems you are facing.
