Blessed are the peacemakers

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Today’s verse from The Beatitudes is Matthew 5:9, which reads as follows:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.”

God is the God of peace. His entire plan of redemption is to provide peace with God for those who were previously alienated from Him, and to bring peace to the whole world.

He was foretold in Isaiah 9:6-7, which reads:

?“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.?And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” (Whenever I read these verses, the song from The Messiah fills my heart and mind!)

In the world, we have continuous strife and conflict, and there seems to be little hope that peace will rule the day. The peace that God gives is not the external, temporal kind, where all the wars and rumors of wars and hostilities will end, but rather, it’s the internal, everlasting kind that changes us.

“Peace I leave with you, my?peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.?Let not your heart be?troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

The world doesn’t understand this peace, but when you have experienced it, it extends from you to others, bringing reconciliation. People notice who has peace and who doesn’t. It just radiates!

The promise here is that we will become “sons of God.” I know that the language usage here seems to exclude women, but that’s not the point. Anyone can be a “son of God” if they have the peace that passes understanding. We don’t get hung up on pronouns or the male-centered language that is sometimes present.

The point is to have that peace is to be a true child of God. Once you have become a believer, you are born into the family of God by the Holy Spirit. You have become a joint heir with Jesus Christ, and you have a heavenly birthright.

Let’s take every opportunity to share God’s peace with others. Share it with your spouse/partner, children, grandchildren, coworkers, friends and strangers.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:4-9

_______________________________________________

*** Today's flower is a Brazilian copperlily from my LinkedIn source. ***

_______________________________________________

Please let me know if you'd like to be tagged in these posts going forward.

?#flower ?#flowerphotography ?#flowerlovers ?#flowerslovers ?#flowers ?#floral #faith #patience #peace #resurrection #inspiration #kindness #helpinghand #help #share #blessings #prayer #grace #mercy #love #service #purpose #love #respect #time #seasons #life #god #jesus #thankful #gift #christ #gratitude #integrity #forgiveness