Axioms For Life // Peacemaker Not A Troublemaker
In the church at Jerusalem who James was writing to, there was some major fighting, problems, conflict, and drama. Unfortunately, not unlike what churches across the world still experience today. This is why a lot of people never give church a chance. Many people are open to God, they’re just turned off by His church. Not only do we fight with people within the church – we fight with people outside the church. People who don’t believe what I believe, behave how I behave, value what I value, support what I support, vote how I vote. We spend so much time fighting unnecessary wars that only divides us further. But why are we at war with one another? We belong to the same family, we trust the same Savior, we are indwelt by the same Holy Spirit and yet we fight one another. James chapter four lays out how we can become spiritually mature by becoming peacemakers not troublemakers.
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness”
-James 3:17-18-
1. What are some of the reasons Christians war against each other today?
2. Why are these wars a particularly bad commentary on Christians and the Church today? (See John 13:34-35)
3. Jordan said we receive God’s grace when we submit to God, draw near to God, and humble ourselves before God. Take a minute to reflect and discuss what that looks like in your life. Is there any area of your life that you have kept back from God?
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