Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:9 (HCSB)
The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.
Today’s Question: What is the benefit of having a peaceful attitude?
Today’s Commentary:
For the most part, wars have been a part of human history from the beginning. Will Durant recounts, “War is one of the constants of history, and has not diminished with civilization and democracy. In the last 3,421 years of recorded history only 268 have seen no war.” Yet, spiritually speaking, the world has been continually at war with God since the third chapter of Genesis. The world is in desperate need of a peacemaker.
This is where the call of God intervenes in the life of those who follow Christ. Through us, God provided the much needed “peacemaker.” Warren Wiersbe accurately notes, “Christians should bring peace, between people and God and between those who are at odds with each other. We share the Gospel of peace.” This is a two-fold peacemaking. We are proclaiming a message of hope to the lost world that Jesus is the Lord, the Christ who can forgive sins and set people free. In addition, because the Holy Spirit works through us, we can help others reconcile issues and differences between each other.
So, the important question today is, “Are you known more for your ability to make peace or to pick a fight”? Peacemakers are called “Sons of God” because they reflect His character of grace and humility. The world will tell you to “Fight like a man,” and there are moments when God calls us to fight for righteousness and justice. However, most of the Christ-following life is defined by an internal peace that is freely dispensed to others.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #8: Disciples of Jesus work to bring peace between God and people by sharing the Gospel and helping people reconcile differences with others.
Today’s Prayer Point: Ask God to grant you the wisdom to know when to be peaceful and calm and when to fight for justice and truth.
Shepherding Well 