INTRODUCTION

Many people see the desire of an individual to cease from strife as a sign of weakness. In a world filled with competition and pride, it seems as though the peacemaker is such because he can not handle the fight. Once again, it becomes painfully obvious that God and man are complete opposites. While man thinks it is honourable for a man to continue the strife, God thinks it honourable to cease from strife. In other words, it takes a greater man or woman to bring a conflict to a close. According to the Bible, it is a fool who continues to meddle in hopes of prolonging the conflict. It is up to each believer to determine whose way of thinking he is going to adopt: God’s or man’s.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Read 1 Peter 2:21-23 [21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: [22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
  See All.... Through His trial and crucifixion, people mistreated Jesus. He could have stopped it (Matthew 26:53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
  See All...). He came to be our Saviour and out of love for us, He did not strive (Matthew 26:62-63 [62] And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? [63] But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
  See All...a; Matthew 27:12-14 [12] And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. [13] Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? [14] And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
  See All..., 39-44; Luke 23:34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
  See All...).
• How is it possible to be more honourable in ceasing from strife? What kind of strength does it take to swallow your pride and take the wrong even if you are not the only one at fault?
• Do you find joy in reconciling others, or in stirring up their conflicts? How could this general attitude lead to problems in your desire to see others reconciled to God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a desire to cease from strife.
• Ask the Lord to help you adopt His way of thinking.

HYMN

Trust and Obey

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