We understand peace like no one else. We have experienced the greatest reconciliation this world has ever seen and it happened in our very own hearts. So, we must be known as peacemakers. Sometimes we think that reconciliation with people we have fought with is impossible, but God has enabled us through our experience of reconciliation to be able to do the impossible.
It was Christmastime at London’s Garrick Club, and British writer and producer Frederick Lonsdale was asked by actor Seymour Hicks to reconcile with a fellow member. The two had fought in the past and never restored their friendship. “You must,” Hicks said to Lonsdale. “It is very unkind to be unfriendly at such a time. Go over now and wish him a Merry Christmas.” So, Lonsdale crossed the room and spoke to his enemy. “I wish you a Merry Christmas,” he said, “but only one.”
That is not reconciliation.
All of us can relate to the sentiment Seymour Hicks was trying to convey. Everyone feels the pressure of being a little bit more charitable at Christmas. Perhaps it is the festive occasion or the fact that everyone is looking forward to eating well and opening gifts, but we all feel a need to be more joyful.
For Christians, though, it isn’t enough to be more peaceful out of obligation, or because of the fact that it is just what you do at Christmas. We are called to be at peace all of the time with all men because of the very fact that we have experience peace with God.
If you’re a Christian you know what it means to be unreconciled.
The song that the angels sing before the shepherds is telling. They sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14
).
This peace is not for everyone, it is only with those with whom God is pleased. But this statement also implies that there is a war, and this war began many, many years ago in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to usurp God’s authority and disobey Him for the purpose of becoming like God (Gen 3:5).
The fact of the matter is that this war that goes on in our hearts against God is more hostile than any war this world has ever seen, and the consequences are terrible. The Bible tells us that this hostility is because of our sinful flesh. Romans 8:7 says, “Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.” And we all remember that the wages of sin is death (Rom 3:23), and that no one can face God and live (Exodus 33:20). It’s a lost cause.
Yet despite these truths, man continues to fight against God–a war that they cannot win. But, God in His incredible grace, not only gives us sight to see the impossibility of beating Him in a war, but He also shows us just how wonderful He is, how great it is to make Him our Lord and how delightful it is to fight on His side of the war.
We understand peace like no one else. We have experienced the greatest reconciliation this world has ever seen and it happened in our very own hearts.
So, we must be known as peacemakers.
Sometimes we think that reconciliation with people we have fought with is impossible, but God has enabled us through our experience of reconciliation to be able to do the impossible.
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