we are looking at the 8 attitudes for happiness that JESUS gave in HIS first sermon . matthew 5.9 (niv) is the 7th one, blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of GOD.
now a good question that could be asked is why should i be a peacemaker?
well one reason is unresolved conflict blocks my fellowship with GOD. the bible says you cannot have close fellowship with GOD and be out of fellowship with other people at the same time. i john 4.21 (ms) says, loving GOD includes loving people…
if you're growing close to GOD and the other person is growing close to GOD it's inevitably going to pull you closer together. when you're out of fellowship with people – horizontal – you're out of fellowship with GOD – vertical.
also it prevents answered prayers. i peter 3.7 (nirv) says, husbands, take good care of your wives…treat them with respect…then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.
if you’ll read matthew 5 you’ll see that reconciliation is a prerequisite for worship. it says that when you come to church and you're ready to give your offering and you remember somebody has something against you, go and get that right and then come back. nothing can substitute for reconciliation. not giving, sharing, reading the bible. if you're having a hard time getting an answer to prayer, maybe you'd better check out your relationships.
another reason is it hinders my happiness. when i'm in conflict with margaret my wife i'm miserable. job 18.4 (tev), you are only hurting yourself with your anger.
listen, resentment is dumb. when you get resentful it monopolizes your attention. all you can think about is that other person. you're just bugged by that other person. they're having a great time and you're the one who's upset.
you need to learn to be a peacemaker.
just a thought from the front porch…
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