The Peacemaker

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. John 14:27 NASB

 

As a little girl watching the Miss America pageant, I remember the contestants and how they spoke of their desire for world peace. A lofty goal I will admit, but a genuine hope for our world. Over time, the “world peace” answer was made fun of by unkind people, but my young heart loved the idea of someone who desired peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

As that same little girl I remember the volatility of my parent’s on again – off again marriage which finally ended when I was about 10 years old. Though I did not know much about God, I do remember asking the God I hoped there might be, if He would bring peace to my family. I did not understand the constant arguing and yelling. Hearing my parents fight was nearly unbearable. Sadly, their divorce actually brought a time of peace.

As a grown woman I still do not understand quarrelling and bickering. The way I see it, if we wake up each morning with thoughts and a prayer of being a blessing to those the Lord has entrusted to our care, then selfishness goes away making room for peace and contentment.

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:13-14

Some, by way of personality, are natural peacemakers, while others struggle with the desire to always be right. Some would rather give in and lose an argument even when they are correct just to keep peace, while others will fight to the death even when they know they are wrong.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18

There are many reasons why some are peacemakers while others feed off of an argument or heated debate. Life experience alone can transform our personalities from who we were created to be. Satan, at his very core desires nothing more than for God’s children to fight and become less than peaceful, loving, followers of Christ.

“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,” says the LORD who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

You may be the peacemaker in your family and struggle with knowing how to continue setting a peaceful example especially if you live with someone who desires power in fighting. If this is you, I pray God will give you an extra measure of peace and contentment while He works in the hearts of those who may need a swift kick in the tush. Whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation to add fuel to a fire in retaliation. In a heated moment, silently pray for the Holy Spirit to give you words of peace. He will, I promise!

If you struggle with being a peaceful person, then I encourage and even challenge you to pray to be a person of peace. This does not mean we should become doormats who are used and abused, but someone who genuinely desires peace in our home and workplace. Even Jesus got angry a time or two, yet He taught us never to sin in our anger. There is such a thing as righteous anger, but I hope I never use that as an excuse to be angry towards anyone. I truly want to be a peacemaker who sets a good example of standing up for good rather than giving in to evil. I know you do too.

Jesus came to us as the ultimate peacemaker. He is the final, ultimate sacrifice for our un-peaceful, sinful nature. Let us all commit to praying for each other for peace and love to reign in our homes and hearts.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 5:6

Dear Father in heaven, please forgive me when I’ve lost my tempter when I should have been a peacemaker. Please help me to be more and more a peaceful person who seeks to honor Your sacrifice daily. I pray for those reading these words to be kept safe from others who seek a fight, and for each one to be a person who strives for peace in their homes. Thank You dear Lord for sending us the ultimate Peacemaker. I love you so. In the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, amen.

Any thoughts? If you have something on your heart that you feel comfortable sharing in a public forum, then please share by clicking the comment link below. I’d love to hear from you. ☺

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In His embrace,

Toni

8 comments to The Peacemaker

  • Monica  says:

    Awesome message and well needed for me a woman who struggles with this not out in public but at home with my husband and children, it is very difficult to try a stay in a gentle calm and peaceful spirit when I have 2 little girls who are always fighting eachother about something, and a husband who can be very critical at times, which is something I grew up with and am very sensitive to. I always am asking JESUS for help to make it through alot my moments at home with my family, and I know I should be experiencing the most peace in my own home, please pray for me dear friend, God bless you and this beautiful ministry!!

    • Toni  says:

      Dearest Monica,
      It brings me much joy to know that even if you and I do not know one another personally, we know our Lord and He knows everything about us. You’ve share much with me about your difficulties since I began this ministry and I am deeply touched by your trust in me as well as other readers. We are called to support our brothers and sisters in Christ and it is my honor to do my best to help in any way. I pray I am not out of line, but I have a couple of suggestions for you. The next time your daughters begin fighting, stop them and tell them they cannot say one more thing about the argument until they say something they like about the other. Also, the next time your husband is critical, ask him what he likes about you. It may help if you begin by telling him something you like and appreciate about him first.

      Father God, I thank You for Monica and ask Your Holy Spirit to fill her home with peace and joy. When negativity begins, please convict the offender and bring words of encouragement to their lips. I pray You give Monica an extra measure of peace and comfort as she tries to help her family bond in unity and love. We love You Lord more than words can say. In the precious name of our Lord and Savior, amen.
      God bless you Monica!!

      • Trease  says:

        Monica… I echo Toni’s prayers for peace and unity. I pray the Holy Spirit moves freely in your home. Thank you Toni. I love you

  • Monica  says:

    Thank you soo much and I am going to do just what you suggested, I am so thankful for your ministry and your prayers for me, hugs!!! God bless you beautiful woman of GOD!!!!

  • Trease  says:

    Whew ! Your testimony was very heart felt. It is so nice to see how God is blessing you. I am so proud of you Toni and am honored to be your sis in Christ and in life.
    I to remember watching the Miss America Pageants myself. I looked up to these beautiful women and loved how they wanted to bring peace in all sorts of ways. Thank you for this very powerful message and the walk down memory lane. Love you.

    • Toni  says:

      Trease,
      Thank you dear friend for speaking to Monica’s hurting heart. I am oh so thankful and honored to be your Sister in Christ too. Love you!!

  • Amy Carroll  says:

    Toni,
    Living in peace is the tightrope walk between complete denial of conflict and open warfare. You are so right that it’s a death to being right, and that’s my struggle. It seems like the last few years, this issue of conflict resolution and peace has been God’s big lesson for me. I’m learning. I have to say that I’m ready for this piece of my character to be done! 🙂

    Amy

    • Toni  says:

      Amy,

      Thank you so much for not only visiting my website, but also for taking the time to read some of the content. It means a lot to me!! I appreciate you and your ministry so much!!

      I also appreciate your honesty in the comment you left. It is such a struggle, especially as a Christian, to walk that “tightrope” and find a true balance of living this life and keeping to our values, especially when dealing with non-believers. Praying for you to find that peaceful balance.

      May the Lord bless you and keep you in His constant care.

      In His embrace,
      Toni

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