Peacemakers speak truth in love, own up to wrongs

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Last week we began discussing the possibility of experiencing peace in our homes and in our families.

It may sound like a far-off dream, but God’s Word offers some practical advice as to how we can experience his peace, even in the midst of sometimes turbulent and challenging relationships.

In Romans 12:18, the Apostle Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Be sure and notice two specific qualifiers; “as much as it is possible” and “as far as it depends on you.” It may be hard to believe, but some people don’t care about peace. Their lives are so full of turmoil from day-to-day, and it is almost like they do not understand that there is a better, more desirable way to live.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers ….” (See Matthew 5:9.) Suppose you do desire more peace in your family. What is your responsibility? As much as it depends on you, what can you do to establish, restore or preserve peace? What is the role of a peacemaker?

First, peacemakers speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us of the importance of “speaking the truth in love.” Notice it doesn’t say to “Yell the truth in love.” We must learn to communicate in ways that demonstrate love, honor and respect in the home.

Next, if you want to be a peacemaker, learn how important it is to own it when you’re wrong. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other ….” How do you think it would affect your present relationships if, when you did the wrong thing, you owned it, confessed it and said, “I am so sorry. What I did was wrong. Will you please forgive me?” Would that change the dynamics in your home or family?

Don’t you usually know when what you do is wrong, if not in the moment, in the not too distant future? What would happen if you would just humble yourself and admit it right then? Then what might happen if you learned to pray together about the conflict you have experienced?

Imagine how incredibly different our relationships would be if we owned our own sins, confessed them and then prayed together. Peacemakers own it and apologize when they’re wrong.

Finally, peacemakers forgive and let go. This requires some explanation. We’ll get to that next time.

Steve Greene is the lead pastor at The Point in Seymour. You can email him at [email protected].

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