Be a Peace-Bringer

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

Everyone? Say what? Have you seen the way my wife chews her gum? Have you heard what my brother said to me about politics? Do you see the way he talks to me? The way she pokes at me? It’s not easy to live at peace with others when others are so annoying and hard to live with.

But notice what Paul says, “as far as it depends on you.” Meaning, it’s true. Some people will be nearly impossible to find peace with, but we can’t control others. What can we control? Ourselves.

For the last 9 months, every single day, my mom has texted her kids and our spouses, 6 of us in total, a daily encouragement, scripture and prayer. Every. Single. Day. Things like this, “Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18. Dear Lord, in this very trying time, help us to turn to you and to be joyful in you. You are our Savior, Amen. Have a good day everyone. Always look to Jesus our Savior. Love you all and I’m so proud of who you are.”

Here’s the thing: My mom does this for us, her kids, but she’s also constantly bringing peace to dozens of others. She didn’t go to seminary; she’s not a pastor; she’s a Christ follower who brings peace to others. I say all that, because I want you to hear me say: You can too. Think about how many people are lacking peace in life, especially right now. What if you were the answer to their prayers? What if you became the person they needed to feel peace and comfort? How do you do that? It’s by becoming an ESPN peace-bringer. When you hear someone is struggling, don’t wait for your pastor; you can be the one who brings peace. How? What’s an ESPN peace-bringer?

** SIDENOTE, I saw this used SOMEWHERE, but I can’t find WHERE. So credit where credit is due, to you **

Encouragement. By simply telling them they have what it takes and God will see them through, you are encouraging them.

Scripture. Include a scripture. You don’t need to be a bible scholar; use google to find comforting scriptures. Romans 8:39, “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God.” Or Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Prayer. Offer to pray with them and tell them you’re praying for them. Then, actually pray.

Next step. I’d love it if you joined me for church. Or why not reach out to a counselor? Would you ever like to get coffee? Offer them a next step.

Want to experience peace with others? The peace of Christ will rule over your life with others as you bring peace TO others.