Keeping the peace often involves compromise. The result is fragile.
The Christian life is not one of compromise. Jesus says blessed is the peace maker but he also says he came to bring a sword.
We’re not called to make peace with the world by compromising, Instead we’re called to make peace with God.
This is where we need wisdom from above… to find the line between “not compromising” and “being religious.”
The opposition Jesus faced came mainly from “religious people.” On the other hand he embraced “sinners.”
Apostle Paul said he was ready to be all things to all men in the hope he might win some of them for Christ.
Having made peace through Jesus Christ, he wanted others to come to the same terms of peace with God. He became a peacemaker in that sense.
But at other times his refusal to compromise the truth of the gospel brought great conflict with non believers as well as strong confrontation with other Christians.
How do we discern where the line is drawn? It’s not being zealous or “religious” or “acting out of principle” that will help us. Rather it’s a work of maturity in our own lives as we desire to carry the heart of God – we can’t “learn” that – it’s formed in us as we continue to submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 10:34
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
- Mark Saunders