Daily Devotional

-July 2, 2021-

Good morning, happy Friday,

-Pursuing Things Which Lead To Peace And Edification-

“Therefore let us pursue the things which which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. one another.”

(Romans 14:19).

Everyone likes to be around positive people who promote peace and encouragement. Some people have a natural tendency to be upbeat and encouraging, while others are tend to be pessimistic. In Christ and through the Holy Spirit we should all be encouragers and through faith promote peace and edification.

Today’s verse gives the recipe for how to get a long with one another. It won’t just happen on its own. Paul says we must pursue the things that make for peace and edification. It takes action on our part. We must be team players, working for the good of others. As fellow believers we are brothers and sisters in Christ, members of the body of Christ, and joint heirs with Christ. We will spend eternity together in heaven.

Pursuing the things which make for peace is not always easy. It really starts with praying for each other and seeking the welfare of others. The words we speak to one another are important and the way we speak them is critically important. Jesus called us to be peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” We who have peace with God and experience the peace of God, are then able to spread and promote peace with each other.

Peace then becomes like a ripple in river, that spreads out over the water. We need peace in our homes, our schools, our workplaces, our churches, and wherever we go. We should leave behind a blessing for Christ. Conversely, we should avoid those so called “hot button,” topics that anger and upset others, while maintaining our convictions with love and respect.

It is also important to pursue those things which lead to edification. To edify means to build up others. We have two choices in every relationship and conversation: to build someone up or tear them down. The former is constructive and the latter is destructive. Every believer should seek to be an encourager. Barnabas was a great example in the early church. Acts 4:36 says, “And Joses, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus.”

Will you choose to promote peace and encouragement today? Will you build up others and seek their good? Smiles work better than frowns, positively works better than negativity, and kindness and gentleness work better than harshness and criticism.

Have a blessed day being a blessing by pursuing peace and edification. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean