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PEACEMAKERS

Our families, community, nation and world are in turmoil today.  There is hatred, hostility and violence.  This is wrong and any word or deed that increases such an atmosphere is wrong. 

Christians are to be peacemakers.  Jesus said, “They are blessed who work for peace, for they will be called God’s children” (Matt. 5:9, edb).

Speech is powerful and the Scriptures are full of advice about our language.  In fact, our words reveal our character.  Jesus said, “The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart . . .” (Matt.  12:34b, edb).

He also warns us about negative speech.  “Good people have good things in their hearts, and so they say good things. But evil people have evil in their hearts, so they say evil things . . . On the Judgment Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said” (Matt.  12:35-36).

Our thoughts influence our speech, and Paul gives us an important command concerning our thoughts.  “Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected” (Phil.  4:8, edb).

It’s so easy to condemn and criticize.  Anybody can do that!  But looking for the good and expressing positive sentiments requires a keen mind and a Christian spirit.  With radio, TV and the internet, spewing out a constant diatribe of ignorance and hatred, eventually our citizens will be brainwashed and our country will be wrecked.  Paul said, “If you go on hurting each other and tearing each other apart, be careful, or you will completely destroy each other” (Gal.  5:15, edb).

It’s unfortunate that many people like to hear and repeat vicious rumors.  Solomon said, “Hatred stirs up trouble”; Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going.  The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food; people like to gobble them up (Prov.  10:12a; 26:21b-22, edb).

No good is ever accomplished by evil.  Paul said, “Do your best to live in peace with everyone” (Rom.  12:18, edb).

He also said, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Phil.  2:14, edb).

We do have free speech in America and that’s great.  But that doesn’t mean we’re free to propagate slander and stir up dissent.  So, let’s not misquote and repeat half-truths.  Let’s not spread hurtful and unsubstantiated information without allowing for rebuttal.  Let’s not be swayed by a few angry voices.

Let’s be kind and fair.  In short, let’s learn how to disagree without being disagreeable.  And finally let’s treat our opponents as we would want them to treat us.

Think how much better our country and our government would be if every politician obeyed this Scripture: “When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should” (Col.  4:6, edb).
As Christians we are the salt and light of the world.  We are commissioned to bring order and harmony out of today’s evil and chaos.  We must not fail.
   

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Copyrighted 2010 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE.  The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works. 

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Miles E Wesner