Winning the Battle for Peace at Home

In our families we highly value peace. We long for peace in the world, in our homes, and inside ourselves—in our very souls. We know what a gift it is. We also know the hard work it takes to have it and the high cost when peace is not achieved.

We’ve seen people who are at war, but at peace within themselves. We’ve also seen people at peace with others, and at war within themselves. As Christians, we know the most important conflict to settle is the one between us and God. But left on our own, this is impossible to do.

On us who live

in the dark shadow

of death

this light will shine

to guide us

into a life of peace.

Luke 1:79 (CEV)

Because of this, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for Jesus. His birth brought us the gift of peace and holds deep meaning for us. Our sin kept us at war with God, but Jesus fought that battle and won. By coming to Earth as our peacemaker, by dying to pay the punishment needed for justice for our sin, we now have an open route to be reconciled with our Creator. Choosing to take this route leads to true peace—a deep assurance that comes with being in right relationship with God.

And when family members have peace with God, we are compelled to seek peace with each other. But achieving that may not come easy. Fighting for peace in the home will take being like Jesus—having humility and strength and being willing to sacrifice.

So, when your kids are screaming and slamming doors, and you and your spouse are picking at each other, and you’re dreading drama with extended family members, you can call on the Peacemaker. With the Holy Spirit inside you, you can choose to be the mature, godly adult in your dealings with people. You can set aside your own desires in order to bring resolution. You can listen before you react. You can ask for wisdom in every situation. And you can teach peacemaking to your children.

PRAY

Jesus, thank you for being our Peacemaker. Without you, there is no forgiveness of sins, no relationship with the Father. This Christmas season, please bring true peace to our home. May we do everything in love for you and for others. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): How do you feel when Mom and Dad argue? How does it feel when you and your siblings fight? What's one thing the Bible says that can help us get along better?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day.

Isaiah 9:6-7

John 14:27