“The Peace Maker”

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NKJV).

 

I had the opportunity to stay at a very nice condominium community and witness the living together of many different people. On a warm summer evening residents would often gather together outside on a bench or folding chairs, talking to each other, greeting people that were taking their dog for a walk and waving to cars that were driving by. Everybody seemed to know everybody and it looked like they were all living in harmony and unity together.

Not so that particular Saturday morning. I went for a swim in the pool and was thoroughly enjoying its warm water. At some point my peace was interrupted as a resident surprisingly and with an obviously frustrated voice declared “I am sick of this place.” Then, in a demonstrative posture she marched back to her condo.

I think that probably the noise of the bulldozer that was doing some yard work had upset her very much. I was surprised at this sudden explosion but at the same time had to chuckle a little as I could relate so very well with her. How many times in the past had I exploded, lacked patience and endurance.

At this point I was glad to know that it is Jesus Christ – our only hope and help in times of longsuffering and the enduring of all things. Living in peace with others is not just a surface thing; no it is something real, something true and pure. The truth of the matter is that it can only be accomplished by the peace maker Himself. As you draw from deep within Him you will experience a peace that will lead you to a real unity with others. So come on now, let’s do it for God’s sake, will we?

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Suzanne Tanner