Peace

"Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth?  I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three."  Luke 12:51-52

"...And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

"Peace on earth, good will towards men" is our hearts' desire.  But Jesus made it clear that this will not occur until after His second coming.  We can work together for world peace; we may eliminate aids and cancer, but we can do nothing for the condition of the human heart aside of the full regeneration by the Holy Spirit. 

Many non-Christians believe that Christians should be peacemakers and they condemn Christians when their views make them stand in opposition to another.  But Jesus made it clear that as Christians we have peace with God and peace within our hearts, but that in this world there will be tribulation.  World peace should not be our goal.  Peace within with God and encouraging and teaching others about God's peace should be our goals.

Peace is a fruit of the Spirit.  This fruit only grows by spending time in the word of God and in the presence of God.  If you are a Christian and don't experience God's peace, go to Him, bow before Him, and worship Him.  Even in the midst of chaotic circumstances, angry relationships, depressing situations, etc..., you can experience the inner peace of the Spirit.

Romans 12:18 says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."  Check your heart.  If your conscience is clear before God and another insists on being at enmity with you, walk in peace knowing that God is in control and responsible for the other person.  You can be at peace.  Remember to pray for the other and continue to live above reproach. 

Hint for the day: Sibling rivalry is tough!  Having to be the referee is even harder!!  But, as hard as it is, it is very important that the children learn to talk through their differences and issues and come to a resolution.  This is important training for success in life.  First, talk through the emotions.  Encourage the kids to use "I" statements instead of "you" statements.  Acknowledge and confirm their rights to those emotions.  Secondly, address the issue. Ask them if they can come up with some ways that the issue could have been avoided.  How could they have done things differently or reacted differently and Biblically?  Lastly, let there be a time of forgiveness and resolution. If punishment needs to be given, now is the time.  If you notice that one or the other continues to hold a grudge or not want to play with the other, then it is time to pull that one aside and listen to their heart.  Further correction may be needed at this point. (My tendancy, when our boys was young, was to solve it for them, give out consequences, and move on.  I have come to realize that this method only allows feelings to fester.)
This works well for older children.  If it is a matter of an older child not treating a toddler or infant correctly, then just that child needs to be addressed.  If it is two toddlers, then a quick "no", a redirectioning of their interest, or separation may be helpful.  And always, an "I'm sorry" is needed.