Making Peace

Making Peace

Peace - Week Two - Thursday

“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:12-17

In the final instructions Paul leaves with the Thessalonians in this book, we find these words, “Live in peace with each other.” How do we take that peace that God has given us and put it into practice in our lives with other far less perfect people in the world around us? It is often a challenge to do it. If I don’t have a quiet time with the Lord it is all on me. If I steal or tell lies or kick the dog it is on me. But when I am in disharmony with another, things get messy. Instead of merely coming before God and repenting or coming to someone and apologizing for something they possibly don’t even realize occurred, I have to sort things out with someone who may or may not want to work through it. We all experience hurt and most of us have probably caused it at one time or another. That is when things get difficult. If someone has hurt me I may not be ready to let go of my hurt to forgive. If I have hurt someone I may not feel ready to let go of my pride to ask another for forgiveness. And yet, we see it right there in black and white…”live in peace with each other.” It does not seem to be a suggestion or just a good idea to consider. Then it is followed with a few pointers that will help make that happen. This Christmas, why not ask God to make it clear to you if there is someone you need to make peace with…or maybe that person came to your mind so quickly it rivals the speed of light and you don’t even have to ask who it is. Ask God how He would have you mend that relationship and make peace. Make peace in your personal relationships so it does not impede your relationship with the Lord.

Discussion Question

Do those of you who live together in your house live in peace? What can you do to live more peaceably with one another? Is there anyone in your home you need to make peace with? Agree to forgive and put disharmony aside and enjoy this season of peace.

Family Activity

Think of someone who is difficult to one of you or your family. It may be that grumpy neighbor who complains about your yard or someone who makes life difficult at work. You may each decide to choose one. Figure out ways to be a secret Santa to this person for the next two or three weeks. Do nice things without being noticed and simply do it anonymously or write Secret Santa. Take that neighbor’s trash to the road on trash day or bring the can back up the day after the trash has been picked up. Leave a candy bar on that coworker’s desk, etc. You will be surprised how good you will feel and you may just find that they begin to soften up just a little.