Follow Peace With All People 8-29-24
Recently I was faced with opposition that could have caused me to retaliate, but after discussing it with my niece, she used the word “Peace.” Afterward, I clearly heard the Spirit of God say: Follow “peace” with all people.
Initially the pain pricked my heart, and though the hurt remained for a while, I chose to obey the Spirit, and that filled my heart with joy!
The scriptures below are different translations, with the first word being different, but the meaning is the same.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (NKJV)
Hebrews 12:14 — English Standard Version (ESV) Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 — King James Version (KJV 1900) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14 — New Living Translation (NLT) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
Peacemakers-Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9). Those who choose to live peacefully are and will continue to be abundantly blessed, because this pleases God.
This is the result/benefit of those who follow peace - Repay no one evil for evil Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath [anger]; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:17-19).
Paraphrase of the previous scripture. Do not retaliate or pay back evil for evil. When people see that you did not have an ungodly reaction, they see the brightness of the Lord shining through you. We are not responsible for the actions of others, we are only responsible for ourselves, therefore we are continuing to let our light so shine so men will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).
Remember this, God takes care of the people the devil uses against us; many times, its those who profess to be born-again. We must remember, this is spiritual warfare, and our battles is against the evil forces (Ephesians 6:10-18). This is understood more clearly as we mature.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Jesus overcame and so do we.
Jesus also told us how to respond to opposition-You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? (Matthew 5:43-44, 46).
Abundantly blessed!
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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