PEACE MAKING AS GOD,S MISSION

Contents Peace makers Peacekeeping is peace faking Peacemaking is more than conflict resolution Pillars of Peacemaking

The main text of this presentation is Isaiah 9:6 Peace makers Genesis 1:27, God created man in His own image- He is not self-centered like us who make cartoons to entertain us. Genesis 2:15, God gave a share of land to Adam. Genesis 3:1… gives an account of conflict between God and Adam. Isaiah 9:6 says, For us a son is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.

John 3: 16 is a verse in the bible that forms the basis of whom we are as Christians. God as a peacemaker gave His only son as a sacrifice for reconciliation between Him and man but with a condition; “whoever believes in him” the phrase gives a picture of two parties agreeing on certain rules so as to live in harmony. Mathew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. John 3: 16 is a verse in the bible that forms the basis of whom we are as Christians. God as a peacemaker gave His only son as a sacrifice for reconciliation between Him and man but with a condition; “whoever believes in him” the phrase gives a picture of two parties agreeing on certain rules so as to live in harmony. Mathew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Peacemaking is not peace keeping:

Peacekeeping is peace faking cont

Cont...

 Peacemaking is not peace achieving. We are commanded to pursue peace, but this doesn’t mean we will be successful in our efforts. ‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.’ Romans 12:18.  Peacemaking is not peacebuilding.Peace building refers to proactive initiatives that seek to prevent conflict from occurring or from reoccurring. Thus peace building focuses on conflict prevention, whereas peacemaking focuses on conflict resolution.  A biblical understanding of peacemaking demands a proactive and preventive commitment to both present and future peace. Refugee story, 2009 came 7of them..educated their children….. increased in the number and have over 400 in the church….

The biblical term peacemaking has a richer, deep meaning than is usually associated with conflict resolution.  Conflict can and usually take does take place at three levels  Cognitive  Emotional  behavioral  we argue over different ideas  we get upset about irritating behaviors  Our feelings get hurt in the process.  Because of this, conflict resolution needs to address differences in perspective, emotional hurt and behavioral change. To do so would resolve conflict and restore harmony.

There are 8 peace making pillars or practices with the first 5 being described as essential practices for resolving conflict and reconciliation; acronym (TLAAF))  Take responsibility  Loving reprove  Accept reproof  Ask for forgiveness  Forgive others  Pursue peace with all  Pray for peace  Love your enemies There are 8 peace making pillars or practices with the first 5 being described as essential practices for resolving conflict and reconciliation; acronym (TLAAF))  Take responsibility  Loving reprove  Accept reproof  Ask for forgiveness  Forgive others  Pursue peace with all  Pray for peace  Love your enemies

T-Take responsibility in conflict

L-Lovingly reprove

A-Accept reproof Which part of conflict resolution is very difficult for you ? People find it hard to reprove lovingly but find it even harder to accept reproof Steps of conflict resolution according to Mathew 18:15-17 Go point out the fault, just between the two of you If they don’t listen, take one or two others along If they still refuse to listen, tell the church If they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them the way you would treat a pagan

Accepting reproof requires humility  Refrain from defending yourself  Ask God to give you ears to hear where you could have contributed to the problem  Take ownership on your part  Repent of what you can honestly repent of.  A wise person accepts reproof  Proverbs 12:1, 15, 31. Proverbs 19:20  Accepting reproof is hard but the one who listens to life-giving reproof lives in peace with his or her community

Who likes to admit they are wrong? Asking for forgiveness is humbling Saying “am sorry” is not enough, we should focus on the other person’s feeling and ask for forgiveness Confess your wrong doing as in the case of the prodigal son (Luke15:18-19 ) 1 John1:9,Proverbs 28:13,Genesis 50:17,Luke 3:8

Forgive others

All in all- IF IT IS POSSIBLE, AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU, LIVE AT PEACE WITH EVERYONE. Romans 12:18

PG Try this wherever you are!!!!!!

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