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Peacemaker? What am I missing? Where am I amiss?

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Wesley Briggman, Mar 17, 2018.

  1. Wesley Briggman

    Wesley Briggman Well-Known Member
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    What am I missing? Where am I amiss”

    ”Charles H. Spurgeon
    March 17, 2018

    Evening Reading


    Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. —Matthew 5:9

    This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Saviour placed the peacemaker the seventh upon the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ Jesus. He who would have perfect blessedness, so far as it can be enjoyed on earth, must attain to this seventh benediction, and become a peacemaker. There is a significance also in the position of the text. The verse which precedes it speaks of the blessedness of "the pure in heart: for they shall see God." It is well to understand that we are to be "first pure, then peaceable." Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or toleration of evil. We must set our faces like flints against everything which is contrary to God and His holiness: purity being in our souls a settled matter, we can go on to peaceableness. Not less does the verse that follows seem to have been put there on purpose. However peaceable we may be in this world, yet we shall be misrepresented and misunderstood: and no marvel, for even the Prince of Peace, by His very peacefulness, brought fire upon the earth. He Himself, though He loved mankind, and did no ill, was "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." Lest, therefore, the peaceable in heart should be surprised when they meet with enemies, it is added in the following verse, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Thus, the peacemakers are not only pronounced to be blessed, but they are compassed about with blessings. Lord, give us grace to climb to this seventh beatitude! Purify our minds that we may be "first pure, then peaceable," and fortify our souls, that our peaceableness may not lead us into cowardice and despair, when for Thy sake we are persecuted.

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    “Our peaceableness is never to be a compact with sin, or toleration of evil.”

    Mat 5:39 KJV "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

    “…resist not evil…” Yielding to verbal insult(s) – not physical attack. What is the proper way to respond? What options do we have?

    I usually choose to physically remove myself and claim Romans 1:19 KJV:
    "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

    Mar 6:11 KJV - And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them….” Example of instructions to turn the other cheek by walking away?

    By walking away, am I failing to be peacemaker?
     
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  2. PastoralMusings

    PastoralMusings Active Member

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    I do not think that walking away is tolerating evil. It is explicitly demonstrating a hatred and spite toward evil.
    For example: a few weeks ago an elderly man who probably has dementia lit into me about being a know-it-all who refuses to listen to older people. He was very hateful and belligerent. I calmly stated that he had sinned against me and asked for an apology. He said, "I will not! I'm right!" I gave him the gift of seeing the back of my head as I walked off.
    My walking off was not a compact with sin. Neither was it toleration of sin. It was the only way at that moment to counter the sin. Peaceful resolution was not going to happen at that time. Neither was it appropriate to stand and go toe-to-toe with him with a back and forth set of diatribes. Walking off was, I think, a form of godly resistance of sin as well as the only way to pursue peace at that moment.
    I'd like to think that the future will see us with people in the church growing so that we can pursue reconciliation as directed in MT 18. Presently that is not so, so walking off is the best way to battle that particular sin while also pursuing peace.
     
  3. Darrell C

    Darrell C Well-Known Member
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    I don't think this is a yes or no question, because of the diversity of situations, and...people. In other words, there are going to be situations you are better off walking away from that might be a situation another Christian has been prepared by God for. Likewise, there will be situations you can address that others should walk away from.

    The best thing is to allow God to lead you as you address diverse situations. You will likely know when something is worth addressing, and when it is not.

    There are some situation where there just isn't going to be peace.


    God bless.
     
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