
Peace and Peacemakers πππΒ
π In the world around, amongst all men, Christian and non-Christian, peace is regarded as one of the supreme attainments.Peace is the prize sought for in the depths of the human soul, yet the attribute so often absent.
Β π Why are the Scripture so true when they declare that all men shall cry: βPeace, Peace when there is no peace!β (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11)Β
π Why do so few ever find a path to peace?Β π The answer lies largely in our basic human misunderstanding of what peace is and how it is produced.Β π Our Lord, while living here amongst us, placed such a remarkable priority upon peace that He made the amazing statement:βBlessed are the peacemakers (i.e. those who produce peace): for they shall be called the Children of Godβ (Matthew 5:9)Β
π It is appropriate therefore, to discover that peace really is. As long as we labor under a delusion as to itβs true character and identity it will ever elude us.Peace is not just passivity β it is not a negative attitude of non-involvement.The production of peace calls for powerful and a most pronounced action on the part of the peacemaker. The path of peace which Godβs Word instructs us to pursue is not strewn softly with rose petals. Rather, it is a tough trial tramped out with humble heart and lowly spirit despite itβs rough rocks of adversity.Β
π Peace is the selfless, self-giving, self-losing, self-forgetting, self-sacrificing love of God in repose despite all the adverse reverses of life. It is love standing serene, strong and stable in spite of every insult, every antagonism, every hate.Β
π Peace is the spirit and soul of persons so imbued with the presence of Godβs Gracious Spirit that they are not easily provoked: They are not βtouchyβ. They are not irritable or easily enraged. Their pride is not readily pricked. They do not live like a bristling porcupine with all itβs quills extended in agitated self-defense.Β
π Peace is actually the exact opposite. It is the quiet, potent, gracious attitude of serenity and good-will that comes to meet the onslaught of others with good cheer, equanimity, and strong repose.To see and understand this quality of life at itβs best we simply must turn away from our contemporaries and look at Christ.Β ~
πππ Excerpt from A Gardner looks at The Fruit of the Spirit πππ
Sherry Lynn Szada-Olinger