Peacemakers

Yesterday, my message was on peace, and the theme has stayed on my heart.

Some time ago, I was listening to a podcast interview with Katharine Hayhoe. She is an atmospheric scientist working with climate change, and an evangelical Christian. She bridges two worlds. In many ways, she’s a peacemaker.

She said that in her experience, talking to people across the country, the number one emotion today in public discourse is fear… And fear is a primary emotion, so often it is overlaid by anger or frustration… or judgment, or trying to control. But what is underneath that anger is so often a fear of loss.

She went on to share with her audience that her favorite verse in the Bible is in 2 Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love and power…” And she said, “…when that fear comes against me, when that fear comes against us, I have a litmus test: that fear is not coming from God. And if it’s not coming from God, why do I want to entertain it? Why do I want to succumb to it? Why do I want to give in to it?”

God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love…

The problem is, at least for me, I don’t always know that it is fear that is driving me. So maybe in those moments, when I find myself reacting or feeling angered or enraged, it is worth stepping back… catching my breath… maybe stepping aside from the whole situation. Maybe it is worth asking myself, where is this anger coming from? What is driving it? Is this fear? If it is not fear, what is it?

To take it a step further, even though I might be feeling this anger or this frustration, this outrage, am I able to live up to my higher calling? Am I able to refrain not only from violence of fist and tongue, but also of heart? If there is a real problem, are there constructive ways I can confront it—without aggression or violence?

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5)

May you and I, as followers of Christ, ever set aside our fear and heed his call.

Let us pray: Loving God, you have promised a coming kingdom where your peace abounds. We want to join you in bringing this kingdom. I pray today that you would bring healing, hope, and wholeness to each of our lives. Meet us in our need. And then, Lord, work in us and through us. We ask in Jesus’s name. Amen.