By Elizabeth Peak

Every year a person is given the Nobel Peace Prize. The recipient this year was Al Gore. One might ask oneself what Al Gore has done to promote peace in the world.  In fact, after looking over the list of names of Peace Prize winners, one might wonder if any of these people were really peacemakers or if they were popular with the people and promoted a cause—not necessarily peace.

Peacemakers are those who work for peace. Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God."  (Matthew 5:13 KJV) The Word of God teaches that man is to "have peace with one another." (Mark 9:50b) Paul told the Romans to: "pursue the things which make for peace," (Romans 14:19) The Romans were also admonished: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you,  live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18) From this one can see that peace with one another is very important.

Our world today is in a constant state of turmoil. What can a person do to promote peace? One can promote peace by living in harmony with those around them, one can pray for their enemy, love their enemy, pray for those who spitefully use them and do good to all men. (Matthew 5:44-45)

Paul encouraged Timothy to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing they generate strife. (2 Timothy 2:22-26) God's children must not quarrel, but be gentle to all. They must, in humility,  correct those who are in opposition and teach them the truth, thus helping them be reconciled to God. A peacemaker conceals the transgressions of others and seeks a personal interview to help restore them with a spirit of gentleness. Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). As citizens of His kingdom, we should be peacemakers. When one is encouraging others to live peaceably together, one is promoting peace. When one gives spiritual instruction to those who are hurting, one will bring peace to the troubled hearts.

If the people who win the Peace Prize were children of God, they would be out working for peace, trying to bring harmony into the world and trying to reconcile man to God. As children of God, one is to be doing all one can on a daily basis to live peaceably. One should be promoting peace in our homes, our work places, the church and in the towns where we live.

Questions

1. Who is the Prince of Peace?

2. What should citizens of God's kingdom be?

3. Jesus said peacemakers would be called _______________.

4. How can one promote peace?

5. Timothy was told to avoid what?

6. Quote Matthew 5:44-45.

7. True or False: A peacemaker tells the transgressions of others.

8. True or False: Spiritual instruction to a troubled heart will not help.

9. True or False: We are to live in strife with all men.

10. Quote Romans 14:19