Thinking About Conflict
If you are a part of modern western culture, you are probably mad at someone or something right now. Outrage is the air we breathe. There are appropriate times for outrage. Jesus was outraged by what the religious authorities had made of the sacrificial system. He hated the sin he witnessed. But it was not his way of life or consistent disposition. His natural disposition was peace. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Not only is a life of peace available to the people of God, but it is also our design. This does not mean a life free of conflict or confrontation, but a life designed for the joy of reconciliation. This Sunday we will look at Matthew 5:9 and our design as peacemakers. It is not what you think. But it is what you need.