Verse of the Day 2/10

Verse of the Day 2/10

Matthew 5:9 The peacemakers are blessed,

for they will be called sons of God.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

There is a lot of talk these days, especially in political circles, of unity and "reaching across the aisle" to come to agreement over many issues.  However, when it boils down to it, while they are saying that their actions are far from that.  Both sides of an argument fail to see anything beyond their side of the argument.  There is little if no "reasonableness" to be seen.

I'm reminded of a co-worker at a job I had while going to college.  My boss at the time referred to him as "coal adder".  In almost any debate he would throw his two cents in.  He didn't necessarily ad fuel (gasoline) to the fire but he would always make it a point to keep the topic smoldering on both sides of the discussion.  We are to do neither.  We wouldn't want to be accused of throwing gasoline on the fire, but can we look back on occasions where we may have added "coal" to the situation, to keep the heated debate going?

Peacemaking doesn't mean compromise, we don't have to give up on core tenets of what we believe.  But can we come to agreement on what we do have in common.  Can we acknowledge that there can be some reconciliation?  Working towards that may open the eyes of both sides that we can get along and work towards peace.

The key to it for us as Christians is to keep our focus on what God would have us to do, follow through on it and see what God will do.

Isaiah 26:3  You keep him in perfect peace

    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.   English Standard Version (ESV)

Mark Twain said "the only safe way to destroy your enemy is to make him your friend".  The best way to work at making him your friend will be to show them what Jesus calls for in the Beatitudes below; mercy, pure motives, with an attitude committed to peace.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Matthew 5:2-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Beatitudes

² And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

³ "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵ "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

⁷ "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

⁸ "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons^[a] of God.

¹⁰ "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.