Peacemaking Skills: Humbly Showing Others Their Faults

Here is a helpful excerpt from this week’s PeaceMeal, an publication of Peacemaker Ministries.

 

God opposes the proud but give grace to the humble.  James 4:6

When you need to show others their faults, do not talk down to them as though you are faultless and they are inferior to you.  Instead, talk with them as though you are standing side by side at the foot of the cross.  Acknowledge your present, ongoing need for the Savior.  Admit ways that you have wrestled with the same or other sins or weaknesses, and give hope by describing how God has forgiven you and is currently working in you to help you change…When people see this kind of humility and common bond, they will be less inclined to react to correction with pride and defensiveness.

 Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) pp. 172.

 

PeaceMeal is a publication of Peacemaker^® Ministries. Copyright 2006. Reprinted with permission. To sign up for this free weekly email publication, go to the Peacemaker Ministries website at http://www.Peacemaker.net.

Overcoming Evil with Good

In our worship service yesterday, I had the joy of preaching on Romans 12:14-21. It is a passage that always challenges me personally in my efforts to live as a peacemaker. I am encouraged by Romans 12:18 which reminds us that peace is not always possible. I am challenged by the efforts that God says our possible.

Here are the four key things this passage teaches about doing everything possible to be at peace with all men.

1. We bless instead of curse (12:14-15)
2. We humbly seek advice (12:16)
3. We do good instead of evil (12:17, 20-21)
4. We trust God’s vengeance instead of taking our own (12:19)

If you want to listen to the sermon you can find it on the March 11th — Overcoming Evil with Good link at the Heritage Valley Bible Church Website (click here).

I also found it interesting that in my daily Bible reading, I came across Exodus 23:4-5, which gives two examples of doing good to the one who hates us.

I pray that as you consider these scriptures, they will stimulate you to do everything possible to be at peace.

In Christ

Pastor Mike