we are looking at the 7th attitude for happiness that JESUS gave in HIS sermon on the mount. matthew 5.9 (niv), blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of GOD.
now there are some misunderstandings about peacemaking.
first peacemaking is not avoiding. it's not running from the problem. it's not pretending it doesn't exist. "i don't want to talk about it" is not peacemaking, it's cowardice. a lot of manly men take this approach.
none of us like conflict so we avoid it, postpone it, put it off but it only gets bigger.
then it is not appeasement. this is the approach of a lot of women. but it’s not always giving in and let the other person have their own way. it’s not letting people run over you. that's passivity. JESUS was a very controversial person. HE stood HIS ground on a number of issues.
once in a while i read a marriage book that says you ought to be a doormat and always let the other partner have their own way and always give in – for the sake of peace be a doormat. JESUS never said that. JESUS never said you ever had to give up your identity or be a chameleon.
it's not appeasement and it's not avoiding. but it's actively seeking to resolve the conflict. that is what peacemaking is all about.
just a thought from the front porch…
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