Devotion:
Read Matthew 5:9.
Yesterday, we focused on the gift of peace that our Lord invites us to receive. Today, we focus on sharing this same gift. Like the other gifts we will look at this month, it is not meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be shared with anyone and everyone we can.
This verse is part of the Beatitudes, the statements of blessing from Jesus that Matthew places at the beginning of what is often called “The Sermon On The Mount” (chapters 5-7). Yesterday, we noted that Jesus said his peace is not like that of the world. Peace in this world is often understood as simply the absence of conflict. But the peace that Jesus offers is tied to justice and right relationships for all people. Eugene Peterson, in The Message translation of the Bible, writes this verse this way: “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”
What would it look like for you to be a peacemaker? How might you be not just someone who hopes relationships between people get better, but one who is intentionally working to make that happen. Who have you known in life that you would call a peacemaker? What did they do and how did they live their life that caused you to give them that title? Why not follow their example? You will be blessed and you will certainly be a blessing.
Personal Worship Option:
What is one thing you will do each day this week to receive the peace of Christ and what is one thing you will do to share that gift?
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