Promoting Peace

There are days around here when peace is not the word I would use to describe the events taking place. Having little sinners that are 4 1/2 and 3 1/2 years old playing with the same toys, wanting to ride the same bike and wanting the same color plate for lunch may have something to do with that. Throw in one sinful Mommy and a sinful 1 1/2 year old (who enjoys screaming, yelling and hitting right now) ... and let's just say that sometimes peace is far from my mind. That being said, we desire our home to be a home of peace in every season of life so I've been talking with the kiddos a lot recently about what it means to be a peacemaker and why we should desire peace. We've been talking about practical ways to promote peace. I've been using this theme for their memory verses as well, and have found that meditating on them has not only served the kiddos, but Mommy as well! I'm so thankful that God supplies my every need, in every season of life and in every circumstance. I pray that I would give thanks in everything ... even on those days when it seems like there isn't a whole lot of peace!

Trust God's wisdom instead of my own ...
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Obedience ...
Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

Show love ...
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Serve and encourage others ...
Romans 14:19
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Be quick to see evidences of grace and slow to see faults ...
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Make every effort to show kindness and make peace ...
Romans 12:17-18, 21
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all ...
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Humbly accept discipline and instruction ...
Hebrews 12:11
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.