Working for Peace

"God blesses those who work for peace,  
for they will be called the children of God."  Matthew 5:9

When Lyss was little I remember her being mad at a friend because she said something that hurt her feelings.
Or another friend who stole something from her.
Or I remember Kyle holding a grudge because his friend didn't come over to "play."
Or another friend who didn't treat him as a friend should.

Sometimes friends mess up.

Last week, in a Bible study I attend, something was shared that struck me.  I find it to be so true and it has caused me to be very intentional to work on my relationship with others...

"Our horizontal relationships always effect our vertical relationship, 

and our worship is weakened because of our lack of unity." 

Being peacemakers is hard work.  It takes discipline to keep from gossip and slander.  It takes courage to confront or work through disagreements and hurt feelings.  Often repentance and forgiveness is required, yet so hard to reach.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, 

but have not love, 

I am only a resounding gong 

or a clanging cymbal. "  

1 Corinthians 13:1

I want to be a good example to our kids on how to be a peacemaker.  I want them to be willing to work hard to mend broken relationships, come and speak to people they are in conflict with, and have hearts that find forgiveness easy. 

Conflict and gossip ruin relationships.

Hurt the church.

And impede our relationship with God.

Let peace begin today!

Lord, you are the Prince of Peace, and you are the Great Healer.  Help us to be instruments of your peace and healing.  Please help Alyssa and Kyle to value the people and relationships in their lives.  Help them to see the importance of their family and friends, and choose to work hard in making sure those relationships grow in love.  Bearing with each other and forgiving whatever grievances they may have against one another, is a high calling, but is worth all the work and effort they give it.  Teach them to not be afraid of conflict, and speaking truth, but that good things can come out of hard circumstances.  Lord, prod Alyssa and Kyle to always work towards peace.  At the same time, give them friends that value who they are, and are willing to work hard at their relationship as well.  Friends are a sweet part of life, and can give us much happiness.  Thank you, Lord, for giving us such a precious gift! May we hold onto all that is dear in our lives.