Pauses for Lent Day 15
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
Day 15 Word: PEACEMAKER
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” Matthew 5:9
Despite constant talk of the value of peace, we find very little in this world. Our public and personal lives reflect our lack of peace - violence, addictions, and destructive tensions that divide families, communities, and countries. We are better at loving the idea of peace than at making peace within our lives.
So our need for peace cries out to heaven as one of the deepest yearnings of the human heart. We seek different kinds of peace - the peace of being addiction free, free from anxiety, being removed from violence and division, and the peace of freedom from fear and injustice.
Lent is a good time to pray the prayer of St. Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me show love. Where there is injury, pardon.” Peace spreads when we turn this prayer into action and make the transition from peace-lovers to peacemakers.
Comment from Marie: The full verse from Matthew 5:9 is, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matt 5:9 NIV). I want to be called a child of God!! But, when I consider all the conflict on the world stage I feel overwhelmed, like I can’t make a difference. However, even though we can’t do everything, we can do something. The author suggests asking God’s guidance and then taking action to improve one of our relationships that might be stressed, or not on good terms. Please share your thoughts on today’s word.
Day 15 Word: PEACEMAKER
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” Matthew 5:9
Despite constant talk of the value of peace, we find very little in this world. Our public and personal lives reflect our lack of peace - violence, addictions, and destructive tensions that divide families, communities, and countries. We are better at loving the idea of peace than at making peace within our lives.
So our need for peace cries out to heaven as one of the deepest yearnings of the human heart. We seek different kinds of peace - the peace of being addiction free, free from anxiety, being removed from violence and division, and the peace of freedom from fear and injustice.
Lent is a good time to pray the prayer of St. Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me show love. Where there is injury, pardon.” Peace spreads when we turn this prayer into action and make the transition from peace-lovers to peacemakers.
Comment from Marie: The full verse from Matthew 5:9 is, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matt 5:9 NIV). I want to be called a child of God!! But, when I consider all the conflict on the world stage I feel overwhelmed, like I can’t make a difference. However, even though we can’t do everything, we can do something. The author suggests asking God’s guidance and then taking action to improve one of our relationships that might be stressed, or not on good terms. Please share your thoughts on today’s word.
2 Comments
Peace in this world!??? Seriously? In a group of 10 people, sometimes there can't be peace.
But, I do like what Marie said, "we can do SOMETHING."! We may feel that it is nothing, or something small, but we have to start somewhere! And, that is one of our jobs as a Christian. I do like that the author said it could be a different kind of peace. Peace within yourself. Make ourself right with Jesus, with a brother, with yourself.
I agree that peace seems impossible and our world and all of its problems, can be overwhelming. I like the idea of doing something, no matter how little and insignificant it seems. I think the first step is peace within ourselves-and that isn't always easy. I'm thankful I have the peace of God-without Him it would be impossible.