The Need for Peacemakers

Jesus says, "Love your enemies," and we hate our enemies. Jesus says, "do good to those who hate you" and we do bad to them. Jesus says, "bless those who curse you," and we curse them. Jesus says, "pray for those who abuse you," and we are likely to visualize for their destruciton. Jesus' seemingly ridiculous list continues on. "To the one who strikes you on the cheek, off the other also and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either." But why be so extravagant and over the top with demonstrating love to those who do not deserve it? The simple answer is that there is no benefit if we do not. Luke 6:35: "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and evil."

Personally, these are very challenging words. How about for you?

Oh, and here's a community need I've identified -- the need for peacemakers. Every community has conflict where people become enemies. What can we do as the church to be peacemakers? Check out hispeace.org for an example of a systematic approach to ministry. Wouldn't this be a great Community Impact Team to have -- a peacemaking team?!!!