Peace Breaker, Peace Faker, or Peacemaker?

October 2, 2018

Peace Breaker, Peace Faker, or Peacemaker?

Romans 12:18

Lyn Hardage

Central Truth

God cares about His people. He knows that in 2018 humanity is still struggling with quarrels and fights. Duh! But God's people are called to humble themselves in obedience by stooping down to others like Jesus stooped down to us.

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Okay ... I want out. "Live peaceably with all"? I am scared to obey that. What if people take advantage of me, make me look inferior and weak, or take away what I want? Jesus had men take advantage of Him and make Him look inferior and weak. Did He want the pain of the cross? He endured those things as the ultimate "peace maker" between God and man. (Romans 5:1)

Remember the author here is Paul, a former "peace breaker." He murdered Stephen. Then he became a new creation in Christ. His new desire was to do for God what God did for him. He wanted to LOVE. When we love, we show that we appreciate what God has done for us. We become "peace makers."

Is this the same as always being "sweet"? No. That can be "peace faking." We are to be motivated by faith and a sincere heart. (1 Timothy 1:5)

Is this the same as "peace at all costs"? No. We should never exchange the truth of God for anything! Remember in Galatians 2:11 when Paul "opposed" Peter for teaching anything other than salvation by faith? James 3:17 (NIV) says, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure ..." then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, etc. The first characteristic is purity. Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) says it another way: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy...." No confusion here.

What if there are people who seem like they do not want peace with me? God knows humanity well enough to know there are difficult people who make it virtually impossible. They are always causing discord. So He says, "If possible ..." The NIV then says, " ... as far as it depends on you ..." He is asking me to do my best to have peace. Hmm, what does that entail? I should not be the one to instigate the fight. I must not be offensive or give the other person a reason to quarrel. I need to be cautious about stirring up the fleshly nature in the other person. And I need to study the things that make peace. Blessed are the peacemakers!

This month's memory verse

A Living Sacrifice

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

– Romans 12:1–2

1. Do you know the Romans Road to Salvation well enough now that you could easily share it with someone? If not, this year is the best time for you to learn it!

2. Do you pray for a sincere heart that loves people as Christ loves you? If you are trying to simply be "nice," ask the Lord to help you sincerely love. What is the difference?

3. Could anyone hold you responsible for instigating a fight? If so, ask for God's forgiveness first. Then ask that person for forgiveness and for a fresh start with you. Together, you can take a different approach.

4. Are you standing up for biblical truth in an unoffensive way? If so, count it an honor to suffer for the name of Jesus. Ask your community group how they see your approach to people. Is it "winsome"?

5. Are you looking for ways to bring peace to our city and country? It is often hard to figure out your role, but Christians should be leading the way, don't you think?