Peacemaking
The psalmist's dictum, "Seek peace and pursue it," is repeated twice in the New Testament (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Pet. 3:11). Jesus gave special blessing to peacemakers (Matt. 5:9). Peace, as a virtue, was prominent in salutations, benedictions, and exhortations. We are called to live in peace (1 Cor. 7:15), for living at peace with everyone is to be a distinguishing mark of the church (Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14). As a fruit of the Spirit peace must accompany witness to the gospel of peace. Peace is both a bonding element within the body of Christ (Eph. 4:3) and a beneficial reproducer of the righteous life. "Peacemakers who sow in peace," James wrote, "raise a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18). Without doubt, peacemaking in Jesus' name helps wins converts to Christ.
Created over 1 year ago
