Unity: Be a Peacemaker!

Matthew 5:9 “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

In the world today there is so much division, hatred, and strife with one group always at odds with another. Have you ever wondered what God says about it? Check out Matthew 5:9, Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount says, ““God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

Our job as believers is to work for peace not to divide, cause hate, or animosity but to be peacemakers! It reminds me of the story of Telemachus.
 

The story of Telemachus

In the early fifth century a monk by the name of Telemachus was led by the Lord to go to Rome but he did not know why. On arriving he soon saw a large crowd of people heading down the street. Telemachus followed them and entered a large structure. He found a place to sit and to his horror he saw men in the arena fighting each other to the death. Telemachus had walked into the Roman Coliseum and was witnessing a gladiator battle. Outraged and heartbroken this short little man stood up and shouted, “In the name of Jesus stop.” The crowd ignored him and nothing happened so he walked down to the rail and again shouted, “In the name of Jesus stop.” People around him started to notice but it still did not stop the fight. So Telemachus climbed down in the arena and then walked toward the fighting gladiators. When he got there he stepped between them and shouted, “In the name of Jesus stop!” It so enraged the crowd that he would dare to stop the games that Telemachus was stoned to death in the middle of the arena. The thing is Telemachus’ death was not in vain because when the Emperor Honorius heard what happened he permanently stopped the games. This little monk took a stand for peace and God used him mightily.

Now this is not saying you have to give your life to bring peace and unity. Simply that as believers we are called to bring peace, to be peacemakers and not cause division, strife, or anger. Today will you choose to be a peacemaker and bring unity to the world?