Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
This passage of scripture pronounces a blessing upon those who make efforts at promoting peace amongst nations and individuals, and who also have the peace of God reigning in their hearts. One of the by-products of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts is that He produces in us a hatred for war, strife and animosities, because Christ is described as the Prince of Peace, and therefore His people will also be given the disposition to be peace-loving and gentle towards all men. The apostle James sums it up in a brief passage of scripture which describes how the peace and wisdom that comes from God is applied in practical ways in those who are imbued by His Spirit. Let's read:
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
A striking example of what James is speaking about took place when Gideon went to war against the invading Midianites, and a strife arose between himself and the tribe of Ephraim, because of the victories given the Hebrews over their enemies. Whenever The Lord grants a signal victory to His people either in the temporal or spiritual realm, there are always those who like to take credit for what was done, and alienation often arises because of this tendency. But Gideon handled the situation well by highlighting the heroic deeds of Ephraim, whilst down playing what he himself had accomplished in comparison, and by this their anger was abated. God was actually the one who all eyes should have turned to in gratitude and praise, for it was solely by His power that this victory was accomplished. However, wisdom is justified in her children, and Gideon did his human best to avert a volatile situation. Let's read:
Judges 8:1 And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply. 2 And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you?" ....... 3 God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.
In our own experiences we are sometimes faced with situations which may provoke an ungodly response on the spur of the moment, but if we abide in Christ, we will not be made the sport of circumstances, for God is able to give us wisdom and discretion to avoid adding fuel to any verbal fire that threatens to erupt between ourselves and others. Furthermore, it is our sacred duty and obligation to maintain a Christlike spirit in even the most hostile environment, for God is well able to keep us from responding in like manner when harsh, and hurtful words are hurled at us.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reflects the even-tempered disposition of the true Christian, which is then dispersed abroad to all with whom we come in contact with. And if for any reason we have not been brought to this state of spiritual maturity as yet, then it is our privilege to seek God without delay so that He can impart to us that gentle and peaceable disposition to all who so desire. Let's read:
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
May this be our experience throughout our lives, for God is able to keep us from falling into the many snares the devil has set for our feet. "Good night" and God bless!