CURRENT THEME: New hope for 2013 (If you have comments or want to read about specific themes in this series, send me an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
DAY 9: NEW HOPE ... WHEN YOU BECOME A PEACEMAKER
By Benescke Janse van Rensburg
After yesterday’s theme on forgiveness, I again received a number of questions from readers. I will answer this one today:
Question: “How can I treat my own anger as well as another person’s anger towards me? I realize it prevents us from making peace?”
Answer: You can not control another person’s anger, but you can decide how you will handle your own. In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says: “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” The question is: Are you a peacemaker or someone who keeps records of wrongs? Are you willing to put your pride aside and reach out first to ask for forgiveness (even if you feel you have every right to stay angry) or do you wait for the other person to reach out to you first, knowing that it might never happen?
A good example of someone who knew the value of being a peacemaker, was former U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln. When it was clear during the American Civil War that Lincoln’s Unionists would win, a journalist asked him how he will treat the southern states’ rebels. He answered: “As if they never rebelled.” The journalist was shocked: “But Mr. President, is it not safer to destroy your enemy?” Lincoln smiled. “But I am. You destroy your enemies when you make them your friends.”
Being a peacemaker does not mean you let others walk over you nor that you avoid confrontation just to have peace in your life. It rather refers to someone with the ability to look at a situation with wisdom, consider all the options and then do what is best for all parties involved. Being a peacemaker also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate God's character, love and mercy to the world around you. This, while we follow His command. In Romans 12:18 we read: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” And also in Hebrews 12:14: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
When you find yourself in a difficult situation in the workplace, at home, in your marriage or a friendship, instead of immediately lashing out, take a step back and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom. You might save yourself a lot of trouble. I mean, what would have happened to us if God was not patient and loving towards us when we did something that offended Him? God bless.
Father God, thank you for your mercy. Please help me to be a peacemaker so I can demonstrate Your character and love to the people around me. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE CORRECTION:
- Day 5 (18 January 2013): Passage was 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 and not 2 Corinthians 12:16-17.
- Day 6 (21 January 2013): Passage was Matthew 24:35 and not Matthew 24:25.
** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense, Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop in tye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms.