“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
He always…….
gets his way, takes my toy, gets the biggest piece, makes my room messy
She never……
cleans up, does her share of the work, says nice things to me, helps me
No one understands me
Everyone criticizes me
I hate you——ooooooohhhhhh!
Sin means we fall short of God’s holy standards-it means to be separated from His perfection because of our imperfection
and self-centered disposition.
And yet, scripture says that those who are peacemakers will be called sons of God.
They will be most like Him.
It cost everything for Him to make peace with us–His servant, humble, laying down his life heart made a bridge between us and Him.
And so those who lay down their lives, become servant leaders, humble themselves, will also bridge the gap.
I love what Peter said, he who knew how much he desperately needed and was healed by the peace making of Jesus.
He said, “Love covers a multitude of sin.”
All of us are in great need of this sort of grace.
I have a close friend who designated a peacemaking couch in her home. When her children were arguing or fussing, she would read them scripture about making peace, using words to bless and forgiving and making peace.
Then she would sit them on the couch and say, “Neither of you may get up from the couch until you have made peace with one another, prayed, forgiven and can say that there is peace between you.”
And so, their children learned that they were responsible to make peace with those with whom they were angry.
They learned a pattern for marriage, for work, for friendship.
All of us are pretty petty and selfish and angry from time to time, but if we all had a peace making couch and couldn’t leave until we made up, we would have such sweet, grace-filled relationships and indeed we would have such a close resemblance to God, so as to be called sons of God.
Even my children, at this age, occasionally become so irritated at each other. We had a little session the other night of peace making–I don’t tell them they have to sit there until they make up any more, as they are a little old for that.
But I bring them together and guide a peace-making discussion.
Is there anyone you need to bring to the peace-making couch?
Perhaps a husband who needs a warm cup of grace and life-giving words and forgiveness?
A child who is hormonal? Or two years old? or just being childish?
A friend who needs forgiveness? A parent?
A fellow believer?
Siblings who need to find a way to cultivate love and a pattern of grace?
Maybe today, peace could bring about an atmosphere of grace and heal and reflect His glory, to make this day a new beginning.
It has reminded me, this week, that another way I may worship and become more like Him is to determine that peace-making is a focus of my life, and that as I cultivate it in my home, friendships, marriage, neighborhood, church, I will indeed reflect Him, and find His peace filling my soul and my home.
Peace of the Lord be with you. The Lord is near.
We have been talking about peacemakers daily for a while now in our home. It is a difficult season for my precious girl five and sweet boy almost three. They are learning to be peacemakers. I love this idea of a peacemaking couch and totally plan to incorporate into our daily lives.
Thank you!
Sally,
This is my first visit to your website. I loved “The Peacemaking Couch” and shared it on facebook. If each one of us focused on making peace at home, wouldn’t that carry over into our world?
Blessings!
Carol
What a fantastic parenting tool. It truly is a LOVE seat.
sally, this is a GREAT idea. i love it. and i’m going to designate a peace couch too. i was just thinking that i’m going to go through young peacemakers again before the year is out, as it is SUCH a useful tool for these kinds of conversations! so the couch will just add a comfy place to make it all come together.
thanks!
I love this idea!!!! When my two older kids are arguing we have often given them a task to complete together and sometimes even make them hold hands to make them work together as a team. They are 11 and 8 and a boy and a girl so it’s fun to watch them begin angry and by the end of it they are laughing and getting along. We’ve also had them take a little walk together in the same manner. But I love this idea also as I could easily help guide them through the process.
Very good idea. One day I can incorporate this in my home. It is good to plan to force yourself to make peace because soon it will become a habit.
What a fabulous idea!
I might just give this a try!!!
We have our girls look each other in the face, say something nice and then they have to smile before they leave…are real genuine smile. Works for us! They usually start to giggle. I do love so much the concept of making peace. Thank you.