Page 104 - First Steps 2023

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of
God” (Matthew 5:9).

Peacemakers choose to keep the local church healthy by doing
the following:
• Praying for their enemies (Matthew 5:44).

• Speaking blessings about those who offend them (Romans 12:14).

• Having direct communication, actively seeking to hear and
understand the other side of any conflict that causes them
discomfort (Matthew 5:23-24).
• Forgiving others as they’ve been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15).

• Staying humble, aware they may not know the whole story
(Galatians 6:1).

Peacemakers allow God to work in and through them. They are quick
to listen and slow to anger. And they stay connected, not allowing misun-
derstandings or anger to cause them to withdraw from fellowship.
If Satan can separate a Jesus-follower from others, that unconnected
believer is vulnerable. Perspective evaporates. Growth slows. Accountabil-
ity disappears.

And the cause of separation from others can take many forms. Doc-
trinal confusion, broken relationships, even a new job offer that uproots
and relocates a disciple can cause a lapse in fellowship.
Is there someone that you need to forgive? This is no small thing.
About the toughest thing we Jesus-followers can do is to forgive
someone who’s harmed us or those we love. Maybe that’s why Jesus asks
us to do it.
But be careful: Don’t just pretend to forgive someone by deciding to
bury your pain. That never works—at least, not long-term.

Stop here in this lesson: Pray for that person who’s harmed you. Pray
daily that God will both bless that person…and show you a way to forgive.
Do it for a week, and then talk to your discipler about what, if any-
thing, began to soften in you.

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