Being Wise – part 3

In part 1 of the series, we looked at the nature of wisdom; and in part 2 we examined the wise applications of taking initiative, i.e. being at cause in the direction of our lives. Now, let us look at the wisdom of being a ‘peacemaker.’

            If you are having to make peace, there must be some contention that you are having to deal with – something that is interfering with the highest gifts from God: peace, love, and joy. These gifts intersect; so, any malice towards one of them will also poison the other two.

            The most common foes of peace, love and joy, are faithlessness, anger, and jealousy; (see Anger Kills and Right and Wrong Relationships – part 3) – all of which are forms of fear (see Fearless). Where fear exists, there is no love; therefore, neither is there peace nor joy:

There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. 1 Jn. 4:18 CSB

            These fears are rooted in being afraid that you won’t get what you want, or that you are going to lose something – born from wanting to get your own way, and from practicing covetousness.

For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. Jas. 3:16

            In our humanness, we tend to strike back when our peace is assaulted; but that is not the godly model:

…he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Joel 2:13 NLT

            We are meant to model Him:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Eph. 4:31, 32. NLT

            If we do that, we take on the characteristics of a peacemaker:

A gentle answer deflects anger… Pr. 15:1 NLT

…love covers all transgressions. Pr. 10:12 NASB

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Lk. 6:27, 28. NKJV

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Rm. 12:18 ESV

            This is all part of our godly mandate, an element for advancing His kingdom:

The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil… 2 Tim. 2:24 – 26. CSB

            Finally, as you attempt to make peace, God will bless you as well:

…counselors of peace have joy. Pr. 12:20 NKJV

Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11 CSB

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Mt. 5:9 NLT

            Peace be with you. Part 4 is coming soon!

            Goodnight and God bless.