Wees ‘n vredemaker

2018-07-01
Matteus 5:9 NLV

Wanneer jy ‘n vredeliefhebber is, beteken dit oor die algemeen dat jy na jou eie belange omsien. Wanneer jy egter ‘n vredemaker is, beteken dit dat jy jouself blootstel om ander mense te help. Om vrede te maak is nie maklik nie. Wanneer jy besluit om die middeweg te soek, sal jy vind dat ‘hy wat in die middel van die pad staan, van beide kante getref word!’ Kom ons wees eerlik; soms is dit makliker wanneer jy na versoening werk om met die vrees en vyandigheid saam te lewe, as met die dreigement van verandering. ‘Sover dit vir julle moontlik is, moet julle goeie verhoudings handhaaf met alle mense’ (Romeine 12:18 NLV). Dit beteken dat jy met mense wat anders as jy dink moet leer praat en omgaan. Dit beteken nie dat jy jou siening of boodskap moet verander nie, maar dit beteken dat jy soms jou benadering moet verander. Wanneer jy die rol van vredemaker aanneem, beteken dit dat jy gewillig moet wees om by ‘n opregte dialoog tussen twee mense betrokke te raak. Die risiko van verwerping is nie maklik vir enigeen nie. Dis hoekom die teenwoordigheid van vredemakers so noodsaaklik vir konflikoplossing is. Ware vredemaking begin in die hart, nie die kop nie. Die Bybel sê, ‘Die liefde sal nooit vergaan nie…’ (1 Korintiërs 13:8 NLV). Wanneer ander mense geliefd voel en as jy moeite doen om hulle te verstaan, sal hulle begin om hulle skanse te laat sak en met ander mense te konnekteer. Wanneer dit gebeur, kan dit nie net die kwessie oplos nie, maar ook harte en gedagtes gesond maak. Dit is hoekom Jesus gesê het, “Gelukkig is die vredemakers, want God sal vir hulle sê: ‘Julle is mý kinders.'”

Sielskos: Matt 5:6; Jes 55:1-7; Ps 63:1-5; Joh 4:1-34

Be a peacemaker


Matthew 5:9 NLT

When you’re a peace lover, it generally means you’re looking out for your own interests. But when you’re a peacemaker, you’re putting yourself on the line to help others. Making peace isn’t easy. When you decide to seek the middle ground, you discover that “he who stands in the middle of the road gets hit by both sides”! Let’s be honest; sometimes it’s easier to live with the apprehension and animosity, than the threat of change that comes through working for reconciliation. “As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). That means you must learn to speak and interact with people who think differently than you do. It doesn’t mean you have to change your views or your message, but sometimes it means you have to change your approach. Peacemaking means being willing to engage in a real dialogue with two people, rather than “sound bites” by only one. Risking rejection isn’t easy for anyone. That’s why the power of peacemakers is so crucial to conflict resolution. It’s too lofty a goal to expect that all differences will homogenize into one melting pot. A realistic goal is a salad – a combined mixture of ingredients with each retaining its unique flavor and texture. True peacemaking begins in the heart, not the head. The Bible says, “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV). When people feel loved and understood, they take down their barriers and begin to connect with one another. And when that happens, it can not only resolve the issue, but heal hearts and minds. That’s why Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Soul food: Matt 5:6; Isa 55:1-7; Ps 63:1-5; John 4:1-34