I’m fairly certain that most of you have been keeping up with the news as President Trump continues to make every attempt to broker a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine. Making peace between warring countries is at or near the top of Trump’s agenda, and we applaud him for that. And so, let’s continue to pray for peace to emerge from this conflict.

Speaking of conflict, let me ask you a question: “How do you feel when someone offends you?” For most of us, there is a burning reaction, sensing that our reputation has been assaulted and that we will never be looked at again in the same way by others. We seek to immediately address the issue and set the record straight, wanting to have the last word and fix their misconceptions.

Sadly, some people are simply confrontational by nature, while others make every attempt to avoid confrontation. As we all know, maintaining healthy human relationships can be challenging, and yet, there is a nagging sense inside of us that cries out for harmony in all our relationships. We know that God made us for healthy and harmonious relationships, and that is something that we call “fellowship.” Sadly, confrontation that is unresolved will quickly destroy fellowship in the body of Christ. That’s why King David wrote in two different Psalms:

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14); and

“Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for there is a future for all who seek peace” (Psalm 37:37).

Jesus reaffirmed David’s words when He said in His Sermon on the Mount:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Notice that Jesus did not say “peacelovers” or “peacekeepers,” as valid as they are, but He was calling us to actually enter into situations imbedded in relational conflict and seek to make peace between both parties. Jesus calls such people “blessed” because they are doing the will of the Father and they shall be considered “children of God.”

If you happen to be embroiled in such a conflict yourself, take a moment to consider the fact that pride may likely be the root cause of it. In most cases, it is our own pride that refuses to let the injustice go, and it requires a deep level of humility to respond to conflict or criticism with love and grace. However, if we do, we are obeying the admonition of Paul when he wrote to the Christians in Rome:

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people” (Romans 12:18).

Paul puts the ball into our court, so to speak – If it is possible, we are to make every effort to be at peace with everyone, and that includes family members and church members, as well as friends. As a peacemaker, you are an ambassador for Christ whose interest is in the King’s reputation above your own.

So, friends, let’s pursue peace in all of our relationships, and humble ourselves to admit fault if we have played, or are playing, a part in the conflict. Let’s be ambassadors of the King of kings who desires peace in all of our relationships. Let’s “seek peace and pursue it.” It may cost us, but it’s what God would have us do. And God’s response to those who do so is the rich reward of His blessings being bestowed upon us.

May the God of Peace bless each one of you who seek and pursue peace with others.