Peacemakers: Don’t Throw

“Don’t throw”, the little one reverberated my words to me. I thought his words were simply a reminder for me to practice what I preach. I was wrong. Within few days, I started learning about Peacemakers and the destructive nature of offense and bitterness. God’s Word cleansed me, helped me overcome the spirit of offense and bitterness, and brought me to a place where being a peacemaker has become a priority.

One thing I learned about peacemakers is that they don’t throw. That is, they do not busy themselves condemning people. They are busy turning the hearts of people to God through prayer, love, and evangelism.

Jesus- the Peacemaker (John 8:3-11 NIV)

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap,in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.“ Then neither do I condemn you,”Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

1 John 2:6 (NIV) says “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did”. Jesus was perfect in every way. Yet, he did not busy himself with condemnation. He did not throw. Jesus extended grace and mercy. By not condemning the woman caught in adultery, Jesus gave her a reason to live. Jesus said “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Condemnation was not Jesus’ priority, the salvation of soul from the power of sin was his priority.

Instead of condemning or speaking ill of people whose values are different from ours, we should focus on their souls by praying for them. Instead of throwing a conversation on the sin in people’s lives, we should prophesy God’s will into their lives. Jesus did not only give an instruction when he said, “Go now and leave your life of sin“. Jesus prophesied the Father’s will into the woman’s life and empowered her to live right.

Whenever we busy ourselves condemning people, we are driven by pride, and lack of purpose. When we condemn others, we subconsciously think we are better than they are. People who know their true purpose are not busy condemning others, they are busy with the Father’s business- seeking first the kingdom of God and preaching the good news (Matthew 6:33, Matthew 28:19-20)

Next time you are tempted to speak ill of someone for their sin, first think about what Jesus would do.

Think about what Jesus would do, next time you are tempted to speak ill of churches for choosing to wear masks or not and congregate in person or not (adding this is necessary because many Christians are busy doing this instead of praying for fellow believers (Ephesians 6:18-23)).

When you are tempted to speak ill of people in your home, think about what Jesus would do.

I pray that the desire to “throw” or condemn people would be replaced by the desire to partner with God to bring about their salvation.

Love does not speak ill of people. Love does not compromise. Love does not throw.

Love prays. Love extends grace and mercy. Love prophesies God’s will into people’s lives.

Purposing in your heart to become a peacemaker is one way to end the year strong and celebrate Jesus-the Prince of Peace this season .

Would you like to become a member of God’s family? Please say the prayer below and let me know about it here.

Say this: Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe you exist and you sent Jesus to die for me. I receive your love and forgiveness. Reveal yourself to me. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen

Welcome to God’s family!

---

---