“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
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If you have played on enough teams, you have encountered contentious teammates. Over the course of a long season, issues will arise that can cause strife between teammates. The causes vary, but if not properly dealt with, they can derail even the best teams. You need a peacemaker to step in and get everyone on the same page.
Bringing peace between teammates is good, but to bring peace between a teammate and God is far greater. In His “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7), Jesus encouraged His Kingdom followers to be men and women who help to make peace between God and man. Jesus came to reconcile the world to the Father through His life, death, burial and resurrection. After His ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit to live and reign in our lives as His followers.
In 2 Corinthians 5:18, Paul tells us that Jesus “gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” We have the privilege to be God’s ambassadors, His peacemakers, in our spheres of influence. We are empowered to help others see their sinful condition before our holy God, and to tell them how Jesus has made the way to be reconciled to God. Some will make fun of you or persecute you for your attempts. Yet, there may be others who respond and come to know Jesus as their Savior. No matter the response, when we act as God’s peacemakers, Jesus promises that we “shall be called sons of God.”
Do you see yourself as God’s peacemaker on your team?
— Mickey Weston, Chicago White Sox chaplain
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