August 31, 2022 – Matthew 5:8-9, The Funny Shape of Faith

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” -Matthew 5:8-9

“We can try to win every argument about God, faith, and the church, but this is an uphill battle-especially if we think we’re better than the people we’re arguing with. Instead, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers-striving to understand, build bridges, and look for ways to tackle heartbreaking problems from AIDS in Africa to poverty to homelessness to child abuse to domestic violence to loneliness and despair. No argument there.” (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 235-238). Kindle Edition.)

Arguments

The world has always had people arguing about this or that. Even in the bible, one of the first stories we encounter is about an argument between Cain and Abel. (Genesis 4). G-d did not accept the offerings from each brother with the same enthusiasm, and this sparked an argument resulting in the first murder in the bible.

The recent pandemic has, it appears, made people in our society angrier and more separated. Every day we read about people who have shot or stabbed or run over someone else because they have been in an argument. Road rage and domestic violence are on the upswing. From the people in our earliest bible stories to our neighbors across the street, we are people who need love, grace and understanding.

While standing on the mountain, Jesus told his followers that people who seek peace and not war are blessed in the kingdom of G-d. And that kingdom is not just the future the kingdom, it is the kingdom we are all a part of creating right now.

Today, instead of focusing on how many arguments you can win, why not try to understand the struggles of your neighbors and offer them your help and your prayers.

Let us pray,

Lord Christ, sometimes I’d rather argue about you than spend time listening to you. Help me to bring peace and build bridges instead of sowing hate and division. Amen.

Pastor Dave