– "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matt. 5:9)
If you are experiencing World War III at home or at the officeor within yourself, you may want to prayerfully consider these hallmarks of a peacemaker:
#1 He has made peace with God and knows the peace of God:
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (Rom. 5:1; Jn. 14:27) (See Num. 6:26; Psa. 29:11; Isa. 55:12; Jn. 16:33; Eph. 2:14-17; Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15)
#2 He seeks to bring others into the reconciliation he has experienced with God:
"Godreconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Cor. 5:18b, 19) (See Eph. 2:14,15; Col. 1:20)
#3 He makes allowances for those who differ with him in "gray" areas of the Christian life:
"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters." (Rom. 14:1) (See verses 2-7)
#4 He diligently seeks peaceful solutions:
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all menFor the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Rom. 12:18; 14:17-19) (See Psa. 34:14; Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:13; 2 Tim. 2:22; Jms. 3:16-18; 1 Pet. 3:11)
#5 He avoids lawsuits, being willing to absorb the loss rather than go to court:
"If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?" (1 Cor. 6:1) (See 1 Ki. 3:16-28; Pro. 17:14; 25:7b-10; Matt. 5:25,26, 40; 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 6:1-11)
#6 He relies on the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower him as a peacemaker:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." (Gal. 5:22) (See Gal. 5:16)
#7 He forgives grievances:
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Col. 3:13) (See Matt. 5:44; 18:21-34; Lk. 6:35-37)
#8 He aggressively pursues peace in his relationships:
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Heb. 12:14) (See Gen. 13; Rom. 12:18)
#9 He is a good listener, controlling both his speech and his temper:
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (Jms. 1:19b) (Pro. 8:32-35; 10:19; 13:3; 16:32)
#10 He prays for and applies Gods wisdom:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask GodThe wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving." (Jms. 1:5a; 3:17b) (See Jms. 3:16-18)