Tuesday, 6th February 2024
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”– Hebrews 12:14
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Must we seek peace with someone whom we know we have done nothing against yet they have something against us?
Christianity is God’s way of being; it is about man functioning in God’s realm of life.
As such, more is expected of the Christian in every circumstance, to think, speak or act like God would have. This is the believer of Christ’s calling. Moreover, the Law of Moses, being 613 in number, was reduced to two by Jesus (Matt 22:37-40). Upon these two commandments hangs the law and the prophets. Carefully examining these two commandments, we are pointed to one fact—it is all about our relationship, first with God, and then our neighbor. This is why John the Apostle revealed to us by the Spirit that if a man says he loves God and hates his brother, he is a liar. The reason is that if a man cannot love his brother whom he sees, how can he love God whom he does not see? (1 John 4:20).
Beloved, let’s lift up our game as Christians because we are not ordinary.
God’s word enjoins us, according to our theme scripture, “to swiftly choose peace over competition in every relationship, and to run speedily towards holiness because those who are not holy will not see the Lord” (The Passion Translation). We live in a highly competitive world today. A place where people are more interested in winning at the expense of others instead of winning together. As such people are easily offended. Not only that but also we may offend people without knowing that we have. God’s word prescribes a higher solution for us to adhere.
Precious one, must we be at peace with all men? How can we be at peace with a man we don’t know what we have done against?
Maybe the right question to ask is, “Must we know everything we have done against our neighbor and be convinced before taking action or we must seek peace and pursue it at all times, and in all circumstances? “If you bring your gift (offering) to the altar and there you remember that your brother has anything against you (whether it is flimsy, childish or not), leave your gift in front of the altar and run back to your neighbor. Make peace with this neighbor first, and then after come back and offer your gift (or offering) to the Lord” (Matt 5:23-24).
You may be tempted to ignore your brother who is offended because he hasn’t boldly approached you with any matter yet; don’t fall for this temptation. You may be tempted to conclude that your brother is acting immaturely. Let’s leave him to lick his wounds of immaturity. Don’t fall for this temptation. It doesn’t matter who your brother is, as long as he has anything against you, settle it. You may disagree with your brother the matter at stake.
Winning an argument is not the way of the Christ life. Rather winning a brother is supreme.
What if peace couldn’t prevail no matter how hard you tried to make peace with your neighbor? Go back to him with one or two brothers to make peace. In the mouth of two or three witnesses a word may be established (Matt 18:16). If this neighbor should neglect to hear you and those with you, bring the matter to the church. The church will help you to reconcile with your neighbor. If this should fail because your neighbor refused to hear the church also, then let him be to you a heathen and a publican (Matt 18:17). Beloved, it is holiness when we extend a hand of peace to those we have offended and those who have anything against us. It is holiness that makes us unique in the midst of this mundane world. Without holiness, you can’t see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see God (Matt 5:9). So seek peace and pursue it. God bless you more.
FURTHER READING – Genesis 13:7-9
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Is there any relationship in your life which is not peaceful?
- What are you going to do about it?
PRAYER
Precious Father, since I have peace with You, I can’t have peace with any man. Your wisdom, courage and humility works in me. From today going forward, peace with God and my neighbor is supreme in my Christian walk. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 13; Exodus 14; Psalm 68; Mark 2
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