The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional - Day 12
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." – Matthew 5:9When Jesus says in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” it’s a reminder that those who work for PEACE are showing what God’s heart is all about. They aren’t just avoiding drama or trying to smooth things over for a moment; it’s deeper than that. True peacemakers focus on bringing people together, healing brokenness, and helping others understand each other.PEACEmakers don’t shy away from conflict. Instead, they step into it with the goal of unity. They listen when things are heated, speak up when no one else will, and take action when it seems like no one cares. They aren’t just stopping fights; they’re actively working to restore relationships, whether it’s between friends, communities, or even nations.God is the ultimate peacemaker, and we, as His children, are called to reflect that. Being called a “child of God” isn’t just a label, it’s about looking like Him, acting like Him, and carrying His PEACE into the world. When we choose to be peacemakers, we show everyone whose family we belong to.Here’s the thing: The world often values power through control, and victory through dominance. But Jesus flips that idea on its head. PEACEmakers are the ones who are truly blessed because they’re living out the heart of God’s kingdom. Others might see them as weak or naive, but God sees their strength. Their actions reflect His image. Matthew 5:9 in the Message version reads: “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family”.And when Jesus says peacemakers will be called “children of God,” it’s not just about having a cool title, it’s a reminder of our identity. We are God’s beloved children, when we make PEACE, we show that to the world.Peacemaking is a divine calling. It is not always easy, but it is always a reflection of the love and grace that God extends to us. As we strive to make PEACE, we become more like our Heavenly Father, in doing so, we bring a little bit of heaven to earth.Prayer: Dear Lord, thanks for being the ultimate Peacemaker. Help us to live in a way that reflects Your PEACE in everything we do. Teach us to bring people together, love those who aren’t easy to love, and fight for what’s right. Let our actions and words show the world Your PEACE, and may others see us as a child of God by the way we live.~ Amen.
The ARRIVAL ~ A Christmas Devotional - Day 11
Romans 12: 18 ~ Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone.
Living in PEACE with others often requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to let go of grudges. It means seeking to understand rather than to be understood, choosing kindness over retaliation, and building bridges rather than walls. However, it’s important to recognize that PEACE does not always mean avoiding conflict. Sometimes, true PEACE involves speaking difficult truths in love or standing firm in our convictions, even if it leads to temporary discomfort. God has not called us to passivity in the face of struggle. Instead, He calls us to actively pursue PEACE, drawing on the strength and wisdom He provides. In doing so, we reflect His nature. God is a God of PEACE, and as His followers, we are invited to be instruments of PEACE in the world. Ask yourself:
Remember, PEACE is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of God's grace, mercy, and love in every situation. Let’s make every effort to live in PEACE with those around us, trusting that God will guide us in doing so. Prayer:
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