GETTING IN THE MIDDLE
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9, NLT
Theme: Peacemakers are blessed by God as they continue the hard work to make peace.
EASE
Drifting down the river is easy; going against the current is hard. A slight smile at gossip or a crude joke in the break room is easy; walking away or even requesting that the conversation be changed is hard. Watching from the sidelines as family, friends, or coworkers struggle with conflict and hurt feelings may not be comfortable, but it’s much easier than getting involved. Yet that is precisely what Jesus asks of us.
EXTRA MILE
Sometimes we think of Jesus as the meek and humble Servant, telling us to go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, and not stir up trouble. But He was also the Son of Man who overturned tables in the Temple and challenged the religious leaders. “You brood of vipers” is not at all conciliatory!
When Jesus was asked to judge a woman caught in adultery, He got in the middle of the crisis. He stood up for her, without forsaking the Law and without condoning her sin. He loved her, forgave her, and urged her to leave that sin behind. In the same way, we can be peacemakers. In a family conflict, we can respond with calm, wise words. We can show mercy and help others show mercy. We can speak truth into a situation because the God of Truth lives in us and will give us the words we need to teach, admonish, and restore.
BLESSED
If you engage in peacemaking, you will be hurt. People will accuse you of taking sides or claim that you cannot understand. They will think you are prudish for trusting God’s Word as a plumbline for living. Yet, when you see a marriage restored, a child returned to parents who were heartbroken, or good friends reunited, you will feel God’s pleasure. He has called us to be ambassadors to the world of His grace. You can start by lovingly entering a conversation to help clear up a misunderstanding and bringing God’s peace and kingdom with you. You can share the Good News of Jesus, also called “the Gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). Reconciling people to God is the most important type of peacemaking!
Pray: Lord, I want to follow You and do what You do. Help me to be humble and only go where You lead. Help me to be bold and obey when You ask me to become involved in a situation You put before me. Help me always remember the most important peacemaking work I can do is to bring my friend to You for salvation and healing. Help me hear Your direction and Your words in every situation. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Ephesians 4:2-3; 2 Corinthians 5:20, 13:11; James 5:19-20; Romans 12:18
Peacemaking Resource: Peace Points Printable Brochure
Weekly Memory Verse: “One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.” Matthew 5:1, ESV