Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matt. 5:9
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Rom. 12:18
Dear Lord Jesus, irrespective of our gardening skills, there’s at least one kind of gardening for which there’s no possibility of crop failure. When we sow in peace and seek to live out stories of your reconciling love, you guarantee a harvest of ample, delectable, righteous fruit. It may take longer and cost more than we wish, but we are never foolish to long for and to work for peace.
Our hope for a good crop of reconciliation and restoration is entirely bound up with you, Lord Jesus. For you are our peace and the ultimate Peacemaker. Keep us ever mindful of the peacemaking you’ve already accomplished between yourself and us. While we were your enemies, you died for us—destroying the hostility, and replacing the enmity with your great affection and perfect peace. You reconciled us to yourself, through the cost of your life and the currency of your love. There is no greater expression of love than the gospel.
And a full harvest of everlasting fruit (glorification) is not the least bit in doubt. You will bring to completion the good work you have begun in each of us, in your whole Bride, and in your entire creation. Hallelujah, perfect relationships define our future.
So, Jesus, give us your patience when peacemaking requires more emotional currency than we have, and demands more forgiveness than we want to offer. Give us courage when you send us to people and situations we want to avoid, like a highly contagious disease. Give us more of your mercy and compassion, Jesus; for you’ve called us to love people as you love us, when it’s quite easy and when it’s very hard. So very Amen we pray, in your triumphant and tender name.