How can we be peacemakers in a world of constant conflict? The Bible is full of scriptures to help us be agents of peace. Using each letter in the word “peacemaker,” here are 10 scriptures to help you get along with your fellow humans.
P – Pursue Peace with Everyone
Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” The Greek of the word pursue means diligently and conspicuously going after peace with other people. It is one thing to keep the peace but another to pursue it. You must set your mind on being a peacemaker.
E – Enjoy Spending Time with Ordinary People
Romans 12:16 (NLT) “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” Being humble and kind goes a long way. We put too much focus on the popular people, the rich people, and the famous people. Although being in those circles is nice, we shouldn’t disregard the ordinary people we see daily.
A – Avoid Arguments
2 Timothy 2:23 (NIRV) “Don’t have anything to do with arguing. It is dumb and foolish. You know it only leads to fights”. I once took a Conceal and Carry class, a prerequisite to obtaining a permit to possess a handgun for protection. The main topic of the class was de-escalation. Knowing how to avoid the need to use a gun is very important. If you can avoid arguments, you can usually steer clear of needing to use a gun. To be a peacemaker, avoiding arguments is a main ingredient.
C – Choose Gentleness
Philippians 4:5 (NLT) “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand”. I always say, “Don’t be a porcupine; be a kitty-cat.” Kittens are soft and snuggly (most of the time), but porcupines are pricky. When interacting with others, we should be soft and sweet like kittens, not bristly like porcupines. If given a choice, would you rather pick up a kitten or a porcupine?
E – Encourage Others
Eph 4:29 (NLT):” Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will encourage those who hear them.” Encouragers can give you wings to soar, while harsh criticism can stop you in your tracks. I’ve experienced both. Scientists have discovered it takes three positive experiences to offset one negative experience.
M – Make Allowance for Other’s Faults
Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others”. Keep in mind that we all have issues. Let’s not make a big deal of someone else’s faults, knowing we have them too.
A – Allow Time for the Holy Spirit to Work
James 1:19 (NIV): “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Have you heard the expression, “We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we talk”? We could stay out of so much trouble if only we would keep our mouths shut and wait on the Holy Spirit to help us.
K – Keep on Forgiving
Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT) Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! Furthermore, Jesus said that if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven. What’s that Golden Rule again?
E – Esteem Others Better Than Yourselves
Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Ahhhh, if we spent time investing in others rather than our selfish pursuits, we would have a nicer world!
R – Reconcile Your Relationships
Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV) Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. We are sometimes too quick to write off relationships when we should look to repair them. That’s what the Lord did for us. We deserved to be written off, but Jesus took our cross. He bore our sin. He died so we could be reconciled to the Father. We should follow his example, not necessarily physically lay down our lives for others but make sacrifices for the good of others.
Are you ready to be a peacemaker? Let these verses inspire you to be a peacemaker in your life today!
