Peace With Each Other
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6
“Peace is not the absence of conflict or strife “Peace is not the absence of conflict or strife. Unity (Peace) is the presence of genuine harmony, understanding and goodwill between people” ~ Ken Sande (The Peacemaker)
Jesus Commands Us to Have Unity: “Finally brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Cor. 13:11 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Rom 12:18 2 Qualifiers: If possible & as long as it depends on you:
The Problem “What causes quarrels and fights among you The Problem “What causes quarrels and fights among you? Is it not this that your passions are at war within you? James 4:1
Practicing Christ’s Peace: 1 Practicing Christ’s Peace: 1. Being an Ambassador of God (living for his glory) “ If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation” II Cor. 5:17 ” All this is from God who reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. II Cor. 5:18 ” Therefore we are ambassadors of Christ” II Cor. 5:20 We are called to demonstrate God’s reconciling love to others especially those we are in conflict with.
Practicing Christ’s Peace 2. Putting On The Humility of Christ Col Practicing Christ’s Peace 2. Putting On The Humility of Christ Col. 3:12-15 * An attitude and position of the heart * A demonstration of love and grace We can’t be an Ambassador of Christ without humility.
Applications to Practice Read II Cor.13:11 daily for a week, make a notecard to keep with you and memorize the passage. Start praying for God to bless those you are in conflict with. Find two ways to demonstrate God’s love to the ones you are in conflict with without expecting anything in return. Schedule a meeting with someone to seek reconciliation. Each day you wake up make a commitment with God’s help to be an ambassador of Christ.
Peace With Each Other