Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
There is a move among evangelicals to work toward peace and to understand the people with whom we are at odds. Scripture teaches us that this is a worthy endeavor. Peacemakers will be called "Sons of God."
Out of Ur blog posted this article about secular world leaders discussing the challenges the world faces because of war, disease, famine and poverty.
The following quote is an interesting and thought provoking for me as an Evangelical Christian:
"I saw in my encounters with Muslims and Hindus and Buddhists that we have a lot of learning to do about who these people are. We have fallen into stereotypes which reinforce our positions rather than seek out the points of commonality that lead to partnership on global issues. When a man says to you, 'I was raised by a mother who taught me that all things belong to God and that I must handle what is given to me with care and generosity,' and he is a Muslim, I have to stop and ask 'what have I been missing all these years?'” (link to full article)
So what are you thoughts? Is it possible for Christians to do good and represent Jesus in global initiatives like these? Or do we need to have a "hands-off" approach when it comes to these issues and leave it to the world to navigate through without any influence from followers of Christ?
2 comments:
i am personally torn between evangelism, which causes division, and bulding bridges, which can make it easy to compromise, its a fine line to walk
The bridge has been built. It's a narrow bridge. Evangelism is persuading people to cross the bridge.
It's crossing the bridge that causes the division.
But evangelism is another topic. I'm talking about living in peace with your neighbors. If you can do that, you'll have a better chance and be in a better position to invite them to cross the bridge with you.
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