Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matt. 5:9
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Rom. 12:18
Lord Jesus, irrespective of our gardening skills, there’s at least one kind of gardening for which there’s no possibility of crop failure. When we sow in peace and seek to live out stories of your reconciling love, you guarantee a harvest of ample, delectable, righteous fruit. It may take longer and cost more than we wish, but we are never foolish to long for and to work for peace, where there is strife, disconnect, and brokenness.
O, that certain relationships didn’t get so dicey, messy, and complicated. We miss the innocence of Eden and long for the perfections of heaven, Lord. Thank you that we don’t have to pretend with you; thank you that we can bring our exhaustion and frustrations, and reaffirm our hope and trust in you.
Jesus, you are our peace and the ultimate Peacemaker. While we were God’s enemies, you died for us—destroying the hostility, and replacing the enmity with your great affection and perfect peace. You reconciled us to our Father, through the cost of your life and the currency of your love. There is no greater expression of love than the gospel. Never let us forget, or doubt, the reconciling power of the gospel, never.
Give us your patience when peacemaking requires more emotional currency than we have, and demands more forgiveness than we want to offer. Give us courage when you send us to people and situations we want to avoid, like a highly contagious disease. Give us more of your mercy and compassion, Jesus; for you’ve called us to love people as you love us, when it’s quite easy and when it’s very hard. So very Amen we pray, in your triumphant and tender name.