More Than Just Love: A Devotional for ParentsSample

Peacemakers

My church recently did a series on the Sermon on the Mount. One of the verses stuck out to me. I think it's because it’s counterintuitive to my personality. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”

Peacemakers: That word kept bothering me. I’m not easily angered, nor do I get upset often. However, I have a high sense of justice and when I see someone being treated unfairly, it makes me ready for battle. I want others to know what they’re doing is wrong. I need them to immediately change and be remorseful. Being a peacemaker sometimes feels like a loss – like the battle wasn’t really won.

Thinking about this verse, I started thinking about times when I went into situations where I wasn’t being a peacemaker. Looking back on those, I’m sure I didn’t handle the situations the best way I could.

A peacemaker doesn’t run from conflict, isn’t passive, but is someone who seeks out good over evil. Instead of handling conflict one-sided, we need to seek to build bridges. And isn’t this what our children need? There’s enough war in this world. We can be the peacemakers for them in many areas.

Take some time to reflect on any situations you handled without being a peacemaker. Write down the ways you might have made it worse.

Daily challenge: Pray and ask God how you can reconcile the situation above peacefully. And if you don't have anything to reconcile at this time, pray God will give you the attitude of a peacemaker when advocating for your children.