FAMILY DEVOTIONS: Peacemakers

This week our children begin a new rotation in Church School on Peacemaking. There are few things that the Bible addresses more than peace. It is among the top four themes which include God’s Realm, Prayer, and the Faithful Use of Money. Being a peacemaker means to actively seek to avoid, resolve and end violence in our words and actions. Peacemaking in the Bible (or anywhere else) has always difficult and challenging and has often been dangerous. To stand up to a bully or an injustice takes courage. To authentically forgive and let go of hurts and slights takes courage. The world of our children is full of these challenges from put downs in the classroom, to intimidation on the playground, to hurtful comments on web pages. This is another pivot moment to talk with children and teens about the places they observe or experience hurtful words and actions.

Here is a story from one child: "When I was little, my mom told me legends. One was about a bear that stole the sun. It was a raven, in the form of a child, that brought the light back to the world. I think we children could be the raven that brings the light back to the world." Leela Gilday - Canada

Here are some resources online:

http://www.peace-kids.org/

http://bookstore.peacemaker.net/html/chi.htm includes the following thoughts:

The lessons in The Young Peacemaker may be summarized in Twelve Key Principles for Young Peacemakers:

1. Conflict is a slippery slope.
2. Conflict starts in the heart.
3. Choices have consequences.
4. Wise-way choices are better than my-way choices.
5. The blame game makes conflict worse.
6. Conflict is an opportunity.
7. The Five A's can resolve conflict.
8. Forgiveness is a choice.
9. It is never too late to start doing what's right.
10. Think before you speak.
11. Respectful communication is more likely to be heard.
12. A respectful appeal can prevent conflict.