Seeking peace

 23 Dec 25

Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Life Application Study Bible Devotion


Seeking peace

Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective peacemaker actively pursues peace. He or she builds good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment. The peacemaker anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, he or she brings them into the open and deals with them before they grow unmanageable. Making peace can be harder work than waging war, but it results not in death but in life and happiness.


“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Reflections

Seeking and pursuing peace has to be really intentional. It cannot be left to chance and have to come from a place of resolute, especially for someone who is a peacemaker.


The peacemaker calls not just for peace, they also call for harmony, for the love of God. When the focus is right, the Lord will transform hearts and peace will befall. The Lord is central in their lives and they are like the walking peace. Speaking to them makes you feel at peace, reduces anxiety or nervousness and their words brings comfort and also encouragement. Most of the time, they also have the gift of wisdom, grace, patience and self control.


I think being the peacemaker is never a glamorous job. Sometimes they withstand scoldings or vulgarities from people who can’t seem to be able to resolve conflicts or are in internal conflicts themselves. They do things not out of their own convenience or wants but by the fact that peace is something they embrace and prefer, avoiding conflicts if they can.


Praying that the Lord blesses the peacemakers, granting them grace, blessings, peace, joy and hope in their lives. May their life be also a living testimony for the Lord.

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