Hi Church,
Such a rich morning of truth and celebration was experienced on Sunday.
This week we continued looking at the blessed way of Jesus in Matthew 5, especially His call, from verse 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus is teaching His blessed way of life, the way of the Kingdom of God. It is not simply the commandments or the Law, but the way of His Kingdom that comes with grace and truth. Jesus is redefining blessing for us. It is not based on bank balance, cars in the garage, or the things we might use to compare ourselves with others. His blessing is more meaningful, more magnificent, more satisfying, more enduring and more hopeful than anything this world can offer.
A peacemaker is not a peace-breaker who causes trouble and division, and not a peacekeeper who simply avoids conflict and keeps the peace at any cost. A peacemaker is one who actively creates peace for the purpose of reconciliation, harmony, safety, security and prosperity for all those involved. They speak the truth in love, seek healing through understanding and humility, and refuse to pretend peace when truth is being ignored.
Jesus Himself is our great Peacemaker. Through the cross He made real peace between God and man, bringing mercy instead of judgement and restoring relationship with God. Now we share in His ministry of reconciliation as His ambassadors, calling people to peace with God.
So let us pause and consider our relationships. Where are we peacekeeping rather than peacemaking? Where do we need to honestly communicate, explain truth in love, lay down personal preference, and build bridges with sacrificial love like Jesus did for us?
Pressing in and pushing out together Church.
Love Ps Greg and Amanda
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