September 16

Sep 16 - Today from Proverbs 16 we look at verse 7
"When a mans ways are pleasing to the Lord, He even makes his enemies live at peace with him."

We must remind ourselves once again that Proverbs is not a book of promises, rather it is a book of wisdom. As believers, we are to be a people seeking to live life the way God purposed. God intended for mankind to live in peace and in harmony – with one another and with Himself. Sin had introduced jealousy, envy, hatred, covetousness, and all kinds of divisive attitudes into the human family that God created. When we see Christ, we see God’s intentions incarnate. Jesus tells us in John 14:9, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." Jesus is, in fact, God’s final word to mankind. "Follow me," He beckons us. And who is this Son of God? He is the Prince of Peace. He has come to restore peace between God and man, and in doing so peace is to be restored to mankind. The restoration of peace is a hallmark of His kingdom. Those who gain entrance to His kingdom through His sacrifice become sons of God, and they are to be agents of peace on His behalf.
Although sin has been conquered through Christ, His victory has not yet been fully consummated. This will be fulfilled at the last day – the end of time as we know it. Until that day, sin will continue to work divisiveness in the human family. It is only by the manifestations of God’s love and grace through His children that peace can be managed. Irreconcilable conflict only occurs when neither side is willing to serve the best interests of the other. God has called us to love our enemies, the kind of love that acts n response to the needs of others in order to benefit them. "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." –Jesus, Matthew 5:44.
Our enemies may not always choose to live at peace with us through our obedience to God, but if we will live out the Great Commandment, more often than not the conflicts in our lives will be quenched. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9.