Cultivating Peace
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Peace work begins within tension and can cause more tension as peace is created. In order to be a part of peace, we have to lean toward each other and the common goal of working together to restore community.
- Abi Moon, from Sunday’s reflection
If we find ourselves avoiding a difficult conversation we know we need to have with someone, then we understand what Abi Moon’s words mean. What likely keeps us from having a difficult conversation is often the fear that we might make things worse or at least more uncomfortable by starting the conversation. This may be true—initial efforts at peacemaking may cause more tension before a deeper peace is possible.
Jesus never avoided hard conversations. Instead he spoke the truth with love, a model for all of us regarding peacemaking. Speaking in love, whether expressing hurt feelings or offering apology, is essential. Prefacing a challenging conversation by expressing our true desire to create peace and healing can set a context of love that will likely make the conversation flow more easily.
Many Christians express their desire to “be a blessing” to others. As Jesus exemplified, one concrete way we can indeed be a blessing to others is by committing to the essential yet challenging work of being peacemakers.
Making it Personal: Where is God inviting you to be a peacemaker right now? Is there a meaningful conversation you want to have with someone, maybe one you have been avoiding? If so, how can you preface and ground that conversation in love?
Listen To Our Lent Podcast Episodes
We also invite you to listen to the Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast hosted by Scott Stoner. This is a year-round, weekly podcast; however, during Lent, there will be two new episodes each week to enrich your experience of our Lenten readings on Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.
You can listen to the podcast on our website by clicking HERE. You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast listening app (Apple, Google, Spotify, etc.)—just search for Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness