Hello Resonance Church!
I hope and pray that you are all staying safe during this challenging time. The global COVID-19 Pandemic does not seem to be easing just yet, as we have recently seen a rise in our provincial case numbers in the past weeks. I can fully understand how our current situation can be a difficult test of our patience and endurance. A Bloomberg article published in late April identified that for many people, transitioning to a pandemic workday obliterated any semblance of work-life balance during the first few months of the economic lockdown. Now, with new work routines firmly established and the provincial economy gradually opening up for the summer holiday season, this new setback can feel immensely frustrating.
When our personal patience begins to wear thin, we can potentially lose sight of how difficult the pandemic situation can feel for the other members of our family. This can then lead to moments of conflict within our homes. Fortunately, the Bible provides us with a lot of great wisdom on how to develop patience, extend grace, and above all else, sow seeds of peace in times of conflict.
In His sermon on the mountain recorded in Matthew 5, Jesus teaches that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” Peace in our hearts and in our homes does not come easily or by accident. As we are learning in our current sermon series, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit that radiates from within us when God is at work in our lives. To be a peacemaker, we must be intentional in our efforts to sow seeds of peace in the lives of others, that God can help nurture and bloom.
I was recently reminded of a sermon by Rick Warren, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church in California, on wise ways to help plant seeds of peace in our relationships with others. Here are some thoughts that he shared which I have found to be extremely beneficial.
- A peacemaker does not antagonize another’s anger, so don’t be offended easily.
- A peacemaker does not try to minimize another’s feelings, so respond first with consideration, understanding and gentleness instead of opinions.
- A peacemaker does not compromise the truth, so share the truth with love.
- A peacemaker does not criticize another’s suggestions, so always be open to other ways of doing things.
Although we do not know when this global pandemic will end, we do know that God is in control of all things. Even through difficult circumstances we have the opportunity to demonstrate the love and joy and peace of Christ to those around us, especially amongst our family members. In James 3:18, we learn that a harvest of righteousness awaits those who choose to sow the seeds of peace. I hope and pray that all of us can reap this wonderful harvest by choosing each day to answer God’s calling as a peacemaker.
Shalom!