PEACEMAKERS

It is heartbreaking to see, read and hear about the violence in our nation and hometowns these days.  Every day there are protests against whites, blacks, officers of the law, and innocent people going about their daily lives. We have become cautious about everything we do or say.  Will I offend anyone and what will be the consequences?  

We are in St. Augustine for a few days and was shocked.when I read the news yesterday.  This is a beautiful town, full of history, monuments to many people and events, laid back and a joy to wander their streets and enjoy the sights and people. Wandering the downtown area is a lesson in history for the beautiful architecture and park areas reflect the many years this town has been here in this place. 

 This peace was broken last Sunday by a march from a local church led by the minister of that church protesting racism in the city and county government.  Protesting is a right guaranteed us by our constitution and should be exercised when we see the need but what was said by this pastor saddened me.  In a time of unrest and a worldwide pandemic, he said, “You meet force with force” ...We’re not concerned with changing hatred, he said. “The message that we want to send is that hatred better be prepared to suffer the consequences.”...One, we threaten their safety, and two, we threaten their money,”...“No longer will we turn the other cheek; there will be an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”  I have included the link to the newspaper so you can read the entire article and check my accuracy.  

These words saddened me for in God’s Word, the Bible Jesus says in  Matthew 5:9 ESV “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”.  Paul tells us in Romans 12:18 ESV “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” and in Colossians 3:15 ESV “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Our Lord, and his apostle Paul, tell us that if we are Christian, we are to be peacemakers and live in peace.  

Jesus also tells us in Matthew. 5 Verses 38 to 48
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” This command is not easy to follow, but Jesus does not give us the option to ignore it for He said, “I say unto you”.  He showed over and over how to live these words, even allowing himself to be arrested, beaten, and crucified for us. 

When I read these words and then look at what is being said and practiced by people who say they are Christian, it saddens me. Our world is in a troubled  time and if we as Christians don’t live like our Father tells us in His Word it will only grow worse. 

What can we do?  Pray, pray, pray and live by God’s words.  Hard, difficult, almost impossible, yes. He tells us in:
Luke 6:35  
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”  
We can be a peacemaker and show love if we remember:
2 Corinthians 12:9  
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
In our weakness, His strength is all we need and His power rests upon us.  

I hope each of you who reads this will join me in prayer for this minister and his church and all others who are so filled with hatred.  Pray also for those who need protection and safety from the violence we are seeing and reading about.  God give us your love, strength and peace to live in our world today. 

Amen