Peacemakers
Hugh J. Johnson Jr. (Texas, USA)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
We will all socialize with different groups during our lifetime — family, church members, co-workers, neighbors. When we fellowship with others, we often want them to embrace our opinions and ideas. But this attitude causes a lot of problems and conflict. If we all could develop a sense of openness to hearing others’ points of view and opinions, we would have more peaceful fellowship and dialogue in our world.
As I have grown older, I have come to believe that it is our job as good neighbors to listen to and embrace others as much as possible. Jesus exhorts us to be peacemakers in our interactions and relationships. So let us all try to be peacemakers as much as possible. As Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
TODAY'S PRAYER
God of peace, help us to be better peacemakers in the world. Give us a sense of openness toward the people we meet. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Lk. 11:2-4, KJV). Amen.
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TODAY'S READING
Matthew 5:1-12
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will remain open to listening to and embracing others.
PRAYER FOCUS
To be a peacemaker in my interactions
Responses