“Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!” (Proverbs 12:20 NLT)
God is the greatest Peacemaker ever!! He sacrificed His Son so we can have peace with Him. When we work for peace in our relationships we are acting like God! Stirring up trouble comes naturally! Working at peace comes supernaturally! It's something we need God's help to do! Peace takes "planning" so we can avoid things that cause trouble, as well as finding ways to bring peace where trouble already exists. But, joy fills the hearts of those that work for peace! Joy (this is more than an emotion) is an inner contentedness and confidence that you have done the right thing. Not everybody will let you live at peace with them (Romans 12:18), but we should try whenever possible. Living in a strife filled world is taking its toll on most of us. Being a peacemaker or peacekeeper can also be trying, but it's worth the effort. Work for peace with others seeking their good above your own. Try to understand the feelings of others. Say things to others that show you are "planning peace" with them and not conflict. Don't raise tensions by ignoring people or discounting the importance of their feelings. People need us to lead in making peace and we can do it!! We have to "plan" for peace in our relationships! Our efforts will go a long way at bringing "joy" into our lives!
