Are You a Peacemaker?

September 7, 2023

When someone offends you, what is typically your first response?

Here’s how scripture says Christ followers should respond to offense…

“Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone

who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive

others.” (Colossians 3:13)

Making allowance for other people’s faults means choosing to be

proactive about forgiveness. It means choosing to be a peacemaker.

Now, being a peacemaker doesn’t mean we always avoid conflict. That

would be unhealthy. Jesus didn’t always avoid conflict, but he knew how

to diffuse it, resolve it and restore relationships. 

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

Have you done everything in your power to live at peace with those

around you? Your family? Your friends? People you work with? And let me

just say, living at peace with everyone doesn’t mean that you can’t have

boundaries with people.  

Jesus said it like this in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (NIV).

People who actively seek to make peace will be blessed. This is more

than just being a "peace lover." A lot of people say they love peace,

but aren't willing to act on it. Being a peacemaker means you are

willing to lay down your offenses and seek peace. It means sacrificing

your right to get even. Jesus says you will be blessed if you are a

peacemaker. 

One of the greatest things you can do with your life is be a bridge builder, not a wall builder.

When you choose to love people, even when they hurt you or offend

you. That’s hard! But, it’s Christlike. You will need Jesus' help to

have this kind of grace toward other people. 

You are most like Jesus when you are reconciling relationships. That’s exactly what Jesus came to do!