"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:8
The Hebrew word Shalom is commonly used to express the idea of peace, but it means much more than that. Shalom implies wholeness or completeness and involves both inner and outer harmony. It means more than having a good life and great circumstances.
Nancy Ortberg has said that "conflict is the only way to intimacy." I agree with that, but Jess Bousa takes it one step further in today's dare. He implies that conflict is the only way to Shalom.
Counterintuitively, the peacemakers must have a warrior spirit and be willing to lovingly confront no matter the cost. It takes no courage or great love to gloss things over, and it lacks authenticity. Truly mature and deep relationships require taking the risks involved in caring conflict.
Jesus cared enough to confront and brought Shalom to His disciples. He did not back away from telling the truth to the Pharisees and called them on their empty and duplicitous religion. If we call ourselves His disciples we will do the same and make truth and love the standards again.
What do you think?
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