Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers:

for they shall be called the children of God.

During the crises we face with our country and the pandemic this holiday season consider others. Be mindful of the tone of your voice and be ready to listen to others. It is easy for us to allow some of the extra burdens of the holidays such as traffic jams or financial burdens to negatively affect us. When we are tired or frustrated it is easy to take out our frustrations on others making for conflict. Let’s work at peacemaking this holiday season. Don’t let the shortcomings of others cause you to respond in an ungodly manner.

Christians are Peacemakers.

·        We have made peace with God ourselves. Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

·        We lead others to make peace with God.

o  Never once is God said to be reconciled to man; it is always man who is reconciled to God. William Barclay (1907–1978)

o  2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

·        We help others make peace with God and with each other.

o  To reconcile man with man and not with God is to reconcile no one at all. Thomas Merton (1915–1968)

·        A peacemaker endeavors to find a point of agreement. God’s people are to contend without being contentious, to disagree without being disagreeable, and to confront without being abusive. Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Reconciliation is always possible.

·        Nothing is too hard for God.

·        Paul, the chief of sinners, got saved.

·        Enemies can be reconciled. There is always hope.

·        Is there someone you need to make peace with?