1. Sometimes I think I deserved only these, relative to how much effort I've put in. But then again, sometimes I think I deserve more than these, for I'm not the trigger. Hmm.
2. Teachers always teach us that the more the merrier, the more easier the problems to be solved etc. But to think of it, difficulty of a problem is DIRECTLY proportional to the number of people involved. Say relationship. The more people involve, the harder for it to solve. Say event planning. The more grand an event is, the more people are needed, thus, the more people involve, the harder for the mastermind to coordinate. Beijing China 2008 just simply stunned me. Nice.
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Finding Your Missing
Peace. What is peace?
A kindergarten kid will say it is world without war. A secondary school student will say it is world without quarrel, for they always quarrel with parents. Rebellious era. Parents will say it is world where the children do not create troubles for them. Old folks will say it is world where all they want to do is to sit down at a rocking chair, smoking cigarettes, a cup of coffee, and enjoy the sunset. Wiki says "peace, in the modern usage, is a concept defined by the ideal state of relationship as absence of hostility, at the international level, that of a war". But most importantly, we define it as following:
Happy are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.
Matthew 5:9
Today, the world has misconceptions about peacemaking. Biggest misuses of the word is the The Colt Single Action Army handgun, also is well-known as "the Colt Peacemaker". Convair B-26 Bomber that was used in World War II is also known as "The Peacemaker". These do not lead us to peace. Let's put it in a smaller context. Some people say it is avoiding; NO, it is not. Some people say it is appeasement of others; NO, it is not. Then what it is, you might ask. It is actively seeking to resolve conflicts.
Now we know what it means, and we know we
1. Unresolved conflicts block our fellowship with God. If we can't even settle conflicts with those who we suppose to love, we cannot love God as well.
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1 John 4:20
2. Unresolved conflicts hinder our prayers. If we are still have problems with our wives, our prayers could not be listened.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
1 Peter 3:7
3. Unresolved conflicts hinder our happiness. Job 18:4 talked about we hurt only ourselves with the storing anger.
So how to become a peacemaker? Brother Jeffrey shared with us 5 steps - P.E.A.C.E.
1. Plan a peace conference. Bible told us that we should be the one who take the initiative in peace conference. We must always remember that problems don't solve by themselves. Therefore, resolve it at once.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and therer remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23
2. Empathize with their feelings. We should not only think for ourselves, but also think of others'. Learn to understand them. It leads us to greater intimacy with others.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4
3. Attack the problem, not the person. We are told not to condemn, not to criticize, not to compare with other person during problem solving. And during that time, answer with much gentleness.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
4. Cooperate as much as possible. We are the bridge builders. But some people are just difficult for us to get along. Therefore we must be cooperative, and do all the parts that you can do.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18
5. Emphasize on reconciliation, not resolution. Finding ways and focus on reconciliation part, not the resolution part. We need not the end-product is you agree with me or me agree with you. We can also disagree with each other agreeably. To bring people to reconcile, to restore harmony is also a Christlike character.
So how do I get the missing peace in my life? First of all, we need to invite Jesus into our lives.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. ...
John 14:27
He is the Prince of Peace.
Secondly, we need to let Jesus rule our hearts. He is the ruler. Let him be the master of our house, shepherd of us, the baaaa.. baaa.. sheep.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
It was indeed a great sermon. Thank you Brother Jeffrey =)
At His service,
Qi Hao.
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