Peace in Relationships
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, show us how we can live more in peace with each other. Amen
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
REFLECT:
Division is a common tactic Satan uses to weaken and destroy God’s church. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18b NLT “…I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” Since hell cannot conquer the church itself, Satan stirs strife and discord into the hearts of believers to bring about the breach from within. When we harbor disagreements, promote conflicts, or critical thinking, we play into the enemy’s plan to destroy the unity of the church. This works also in God’s smallest church – the family.
APPLY:
As stated in Hebrews 12:14, harmony among others is part of being holy before God. In Jesus’ prayer to the Father in John 17 he asks for unity among his followers. Twice in this chapter he makes the comment “…that they may be one, as we are one.” This reveals the Lord’s earnest desire for us to live in peace with each other. I believe God put in each person a desire for peace. Matthew 5:9 states “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” When we realize how important his peace is, it is clear that we must pay attention. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is the presence of Christ in the midst of conflict. As we invite Christ into our relationships, we will find more peace. Be a peacemaker!
CLOSING PRAYER:
God of Peace, We ask that you fill us with a peace that passes understanding. Peace not as the world gives but as only you can give. May we strive to be peaceMAKERS rather than peaceKEEPERS, knowing that you have called us to an active faith. Help us keep our eyes focused on our similarities even as we work in different lanes to pursue your will. Teach us to rest in the true peace of our hope in you. Amen.
(Prayer from Weekend Service)
WORSHIP: