The last time I had a house full of company, we all spent a lot of time dodging Nerf bullets! Two of my grandkids had new Nerf guns, and they had a blast shooting them. I’ve found Nerf bullets all over my house!
Webster defines the word dodge as a sudden quick movement to avoid someone or something. Have you ever spent time dodging something? Perhaps you’ve dodged a co-worker or relative you didn’t particularly care for, or maybe you’ve dodged a much-needed doctor or dentist visit.
I’ve spent a lot of time dodging difficult conversations. I absolutely detest conflict, and my idea of keeping the peace has been to dodge and avoid conflict. This has, in fact, made me a peacekeeper! A wise friend once told me this: “A peacekeeper avoids conflict, but a peacemaker takes steps to rectify the conflict.” Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” It doesn’t say “Blessed are the peacekeepers!” God doesn’t call us to be peacekeepers who dodge uncomfortable situations; He calls us to be peacemakers, and the word peacemaker indicates action.
My faith brings me to the conclusion that if God wants me to be a peacemaker, He’ll help me make peace! How about you? Have you been dodging a situation that needs your attention? Is there someone who needs to hear the words, “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you” from you? How can you be a peacemaker? Remember, when Jesus left this earth, the Comforter came. The Comforter (aka Holy Spirit) lives inside every believer. Luke 12:12 reminds us, “The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.”
Being a peacemaker has brought me many restful nights. When I’ve been able to talk things over with someone who has hurt me, or when I’ve been able to ask forgiveness from someone I’ve hurt, it’s been liberating! God wants to help us become freed to joyfully serve Him!
Prayer: Holy God, I know your Spirit is with me always! Take away my tendency to dodge uncomfortable people and situations. Give me the words to speak and the courage to act as a peacemaker. Free me for joyful obedience, I pray in Jesus’ name! – Amen.
Susan Easttom, Director of Family Ministry
