Making Peace

God desires for His children to be of a peaceful nature.  As the verse in Matthew states, those who make peace will be blessed and will be called sons of God.  Isn't this something we should be striving for in our everyday walk?  Don't we want to be called "sons of God?"

Romans 12:18 gives us this instruction: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."  God understands that sometimes peace may not be possible, but it had better not be because of the choices we are making.  As much as it depends on ME, I must strive to live peaceably with all those who are around me.  Others may make peace difficult or impossible.  But that's their choice.  They will have to answer to God on behalf of their decisions and I will answer for mine.  We must do everything we can to live at peace with all men so that we may not become separated from our Father.

In Romans 14:17 Paul says, "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another."  This means we need to actively be seeking to act and speak in such a way that peace may be attained.  Our hearts must be in the right relationship with God in order for our actions and speech to be such that enable peace.  This eliminates argumentative, proud, deceitful, pouty, and woe-is-me attitudes.  We need to focus on the goal:  Heaven, and being more and more like Christ our Master.

Here are some other passages that encourage us to live in peace:

• 2 Corinthians 13:11 - "Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:13 - "...Be at peace among yourselves."
• Hebrews 12:14 - "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:"
• 1 Peter 3:11 - "Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it."

May we all seek peace and pursue it, today and everyday!