Peace-Pursuers (Santosh Poonen)

It is when we love those who see things differently from us, that we prove ourselves to be sons/daughters of our Heavenly Father. In this we must pursue perfection. (Matthew 5:43-48). Characteristics of the 2 lineages in the world: children of the Devil: strife (Philippians 2:14-15); sons/daughters of God: peace (Romans 12:18). ‘The pagans must be able to say about us Christians: “See how they love one another…” (for the pagans themselves are animated by mutual hatred)… “and how they are ready even to die for each other” (for the pagans themselves would sooner put each other to death).’ -Tertullian (c. 160-225). Romans 14: v19: pursue the things which make for peace; v16: In your pursuit of your conviction, or what you think is good for you, don’t let it result in bringing a lack of peace between you and your brother/sister, so that it is spoken of as evil! v2-4: e.g., food; v5-6: e.g., special days; v7-12: remember, we all live or die for the Lord; v13-15: don’t let something like food result in your causing hurt to others by what you say; v16-22: have your faith as your own conviction before God. Hebrews 12: v14 MSG: Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. v15: if you’re not pursuing peace… 1. seed of misunderstanding / suspicion 2. falls into ground and takes root (bitterness)… 3. springs up and defiles many. The God of peace will crush Satan under the feet of His sons/daughters – the peace-pursuers! (Romans 16:20) Don’t let Satan get a foothold in your marriage, your children, your home, your church life, etc. Be a peace-pursuer! This isn’t “Nobel peace”, this is Divine peace!