FOLLOW PEACE WITH ALL MEN (V)

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Reconciliation is a necessary aspect of living peaceably with others. Whenever there are offenses or where wrongs have been committed, and hurts sustained, we must seek honest reconciliation to secure genuine peace.

But reconciliation is not always an automatic basis for companionship and embrace. For example, when we get saved, we are reconciled to God. But it is not all who are reconciled with God that get into close relationship with Him. Yes, you must be at peace with all men, but there are people you should never embrace so that you do not suffer damage.

Sometimes, after reconciling with certain people, you owe them nothing but to salute them. Jesus encouraged us to salute not only our brethren, but also our enemies (Matthew 5:47). But greeting them does not mean fraternizing with them. In fact, some must be saluted from afar!

David saluted Saul, calling him, “My father“, though Saul sought his life (1 Samuel 24:11). But it would have been foolishness and suicidal for David to trust Saul and go into his embrace because he wanted peace. David honoured him, but he did so at a safe distance. At a point, Saul acknowledged his error and asked David to come back (1 Samuel 26:21). But David knew better and went on his own way (1 Samuel 26:25).

Beloved, keeping your distance from some people is not animosity. Sometimes, it is the only way to be at peace with them and also keep your own peace.
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FURTHER BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 5:43-48.
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EXERCISES
1. What new insight have you gained from the above message? Please write it down in your journal.
2. What would be your prayer points and what are the steps you will take?
3. If you have been blessed by this message, please share it with your friends and loved ones. Tell a friend about what you learned from Today’s Message. Let’s spread the word of God together.

TODAY’S MESSAGE
TM20260608