Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Peacemakers (08/15/24)
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TITLE: No Greater Purpose | Previous Challenge Entry
By Em Bonja
08/22/24 -
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The word “peacemaker” might first bring to mind something quite grand, perhaps of consequence to the world. Often, in our daily lives, peacemaking is simple, quiet, yet enormously powerful. To participate in reconciliation among people groups or individuals is following the example of Jesus Christ Himself.
I still recall one evening at our family dinner table when tension was palpable. Our six-year-old son spoke up and said, “Let’s find all of the stuffed animals in the house and hide them!” We all chuckled and the tension passed. Forty years later, he is still a peacemaker, using his gift of humor to open doors to reconciliation.
I also remember a Sunday sermon a few years ago which closed with Communion. The pastor read Scriptures and then cautioned us not to take Communion if we needed to initiate reconciliation with another person. God’s Spirit moved powerfully among us. I was not the only one who passed on participating in the Sacrament that day. I went home and wrote a letter to my brother over something that stood between us. I asked his forgiveness. His response was warm and reassuring…and forgiving. It resulted in peace.
Where are the peacemakers in our world today? Should we look among our teachers, politicians, or arbiters of business? Maybe. I believe we should look first in our churches. It is there we might find people who have the premier example of reconciliation in Jesus Christ. He died to pay the penalty for our sins in order to make peace between us and a holy God. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves.
We all live among people in our spheres of influence where perhaps our highest purpose is to model, teach, and encourage others to make peace with God. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ to spread the message that will lead to peace in others’ souls. Jesus, who secured our peace, has commissioned us to announce this to the world! There is no greater reconciliation than a sinful person finding their way into the arms of God, reconciled permanently for eternity.
Matthew 5:9 (ESV) says: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Being blessed is to enjoy God’s favor. What a privilege we have to be part of God’s plan in this way!
May the winds of peace and reconciliation blow through our hard hearts, freeing all to live in harmony with one another and with God.
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