Remember the beauty pageants when the contestants were asked what they wanted most. The classic reply was, “world peace.” There has always been war, strife, and adversity. Every day we hear about growing unrest and hatred throughout the world and in our own country and communities. Most of us would like more peace in our world as well as in our daily lives, relationships, and interactions. Jesus came to take away our sin and reconcile us with God. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior brings peace in the vertical (between you and God) and is the first part to inner peace. You are now in the right place to begin peacemaking horizontally, with others. Paul wrote, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Ro 12:18) What can you do to bring peace to the situations around you? You can do whatever depends on you! You must take initiative. Don’t allow unsolved conflicts to disrupt your peace and wreck your joy. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in love. You don’t have to resolve a difference of opinion; but you need to reestablish the relationship. You can walk with others without seeing eye to eye, but with mutual respect. Jesus said that the peacemakers will be blessed and will be called the children of God. 

Scriptures: Matthew 5:9 (NIV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

1 John 4:20 (NIV) Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does
not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

1 Peter 3:7 (NLT) ….Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

Job 18:4 (GNT) You are only hurting yourself with your anger….

Hebrews 12:14 (CEB) Pursue the goal of peace along with everyone—and holiness as well, because
no one will see the Lord without it.

Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV) “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother
or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Philippians 2:4 (ESV) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Ephesians 4:29 (GNT) Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.

James 3:17 (LB) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.

John 14:27 (CEV) “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give….”

Questions: How are you affected by unresolved conflict? Describe a situation where you attempted to resolve conflict. How did it turn out? Have you ever had anyone refuse to talk to you about a problem? What does Paul indicate about those situations? 

Prayer: Dear Lord, let me live in peace with you and with those around me. Help me to be sensitive to the needs and hurts of others and to take initiative to restore peace when conflicts arise. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.