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Jeremy Volland
Supporter
Jesus told his disciples that he was giving them peace: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27) But at the same time he said that he did not come to bring peace on the earth: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34) The kind of peace that Jesus talks of is a kind of peace that only his followers can have and it is the peace that comes from receiving the saving work of Christ. It is not the absence of conflict and trouble as the world thinks of peace, but it is a still and comforted heart in spite of conflict and trouble. A peacemaker, then, is one that propagates this peace, that share the good news of Christ's salvation with others.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Good question. Step 1 is to "initiate a private meeting with the person involved to address the issue directly. This first step is crucial for fostering understanding and finding common ground." --verselocker.com Jesus said in Matthew 18:15, “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother." In other words, this is direct confrontation: Approach someone directly if they have wronged you, trying to resolve issues privately. "If we think someone’s got an issue with us, we go directly to them, also. We don’t just continue to worship, and act like there’s not anything wrong. The unity of the body is at stake. The glory of Jesus is under threat. So we go to that brother and sister and ask, 'Have I hurt you in some way? Are you and I ok?' And we seek to work it out. That’s what 'peacemakers' do. They seek out those they’ve wronged. And those who have wronged them. And try to maintain peace." -- Pastor Kevin P. Larson Step 2: "If the matter remains unresolved, bring a couple of trusted individuals to help mediate. Their presence can provide support and perspective, facilitating a more constructive dialogue." --verselocker.com (Jesus said in Matthew 18:16, "But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established.") Step 3: Jesus said in Matthew 18:17, "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector." I.e. "if reconciliation is still not achieved, the issue may need to be brought before the church for discipline. This step emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and seeks a collective resolution." -- verselocker.com
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