Pour Salt on the Wound
My husband and I get away once a year to hear God for our family - to hear what His vision is for us as individuals, for our girls, and for us as a family unit. This year, it was very clear to us that we are to be peacemakers.
I had to do some searching in Scripture on this because I instinctively thought that being a peacemaker was being passive or avoiding conflict, but I knew in my spirit that was not His will for us. There is a hidden strength in being able to protect and keep the peace in every room you're in, and I want that for my family. I want that for my girls. Quiet but confident strength is oh, so powerful.
Matthew 5:9-10 says “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
And man, is it work. Being a peacemaker means becoming the initiator in reconciling conflict between others and us. Our part is to tear down walls that divide us and constantly work for understanding. In other words, sometimes being a peacemaker means pouring salt on a wound to watch it heal. The easiest thing to do is ignore that canker sore, instead of rubbing salt on it to heal it. It's not popular; it's painful. But the end results are healed relationships and a closer community.
In a world where people are at odds, our calling is to actively seek to resolve conflicts. We can listen and love and care for people on both sides if we stay on the side of peace. “You are the salt of the Earth..” Matthew 5:13
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:34-35
PRAY: Lord, my prayer is for You to open my eyes to see people how You see them. I want to love people like You love people. Fill me with compassion and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Give me the wisdom to do what's right, the courage to do what's right, even when it is hard.
NEXT STEP: Write down God's vision for you. If you actively ask Him, He will speak. What does He say about you, your family, your children? It is so important to seek out His vision; it will keep you anchored throughout the year.
I had to do some searching in Scripture on this because I instinctively thought that being a peacemaker was being passive or avoiding conflict, but I knew in my spirit that was not His will for us. There is a hidden strength in being able to protect and keep the peace in every room you're in, and I want that for my family. I want that for my girls. Quiet but confident strength is oh, so powerful.
Matthew 5:9-10 says “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
And man, is it work. Being a peacemaker means becoming the initiator in reconciling conflict between others and us. Our part is to tear down walls that divide us and constantly work for understanding. In other words, sometimes being a peacemaker means pouring salt on a wound to watch it heal. The easiest thing to do is ignore that canker sore, instead of rubbing salt on it to heal it. It's not popular; it's painful. But the end results are healed relationships and a closer community.
In a world where people are at odds, our calling is to actively seek to resolve conflicts. We can listen and love and care for people on both sides if we stay on the side of peace. “You are the salt of the Earth..” Matthew 5:13
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:34-35
PRAY: Lord, my prayer is for You to open my eyes to see people how You see them. I want to love people like You love people. Fill me with compassion and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Give me the wisdom to do what's right, the courage to do what's right, even when it is hard.
NEXT STEP: Write down God's vision for you. If you actively ask Him, He will speak. What does He say about you, your family, your children? It is so important to seek out His vision; it will keep you anchored throughout the year.
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