Thursday, October 23, 2008

365: Matthew 4, 5 and 6 (Day 288)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Allow me to paraphrase: How fortunate are those who don't content themselves with being spectators at a fight, but who step in and initiate reconciliation, who take a volatile situation and guide it to resolution; and who, rather than say, "There's no hope," bring the encouraging word, "Give peace a chance." People like that resemble their heavenly Father, and people notice.

What if I refused to stoke a conflict, applying water to smoldering fires rather than gasoline? What if I actively advocated for peace, smoothing ruffled feathers and soothing frenzied spirits? And what if I had the kind and volume of peace in my life that overflowed to those around me?

When people look at you, how do they see evidence of your relationship with your Father?

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