Topics: peace, peacemakers
Experience peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
* No Jesus = No Peace; Know Jesus = Know Peace!
- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1, 2).
- The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in You(Isaiah 26:3).
- Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful (Colossians 3:15).
Pursue peace (Psalm 34:13-15; Romans 14:19)
*Peacemakers bring calm to volatile situations and relationships!
- Pray for peace and reconciliation: I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension (1 Timothy 2:8; see also Philippians 4:6, 7).
- Think the best of others: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8, 9).
- Empathize with their emotions: For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare (Philippians 2:20; see also Romans 12:18).
- Speak gracious words: Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person (Colossians 4:6).
- Treat people with kindness: The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:24?26).
- Forgive and love: So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity (Colossians 3:12?14).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins October 10th, 2021
