READ: Matthew 5:9
I don’t know about you, but my friendships in high school were an absolute roller coaster. One week you can be included in an awesome friend group. Then the next week, you’re shunned, gossiped about, or even cut out. Drama is everywhere, yet Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. When you actively keep the peace with your friends and family, you are taking after the character of Jesus, the Prince of Peace Himself. Yes, you’ll have to overlook some offenses. Yes, you’ll have to forgive people before you even confront them. Yes, you’ll have to prioritize peace above getting your own way. But Jesus tells us those who keep the peace will be blessed. Unreplicable happiness comes with harmony.
At the same time, you should still have difficult conversations and confront others when you feel you have been repeatedly wronged. Speaking up doesn’t mean you are a peacebreaker. In fact, not speaking up enables others to continue doing what’s wrong. Sometimes you might not be sure if they’ve wronged you but they still make you feel negative. If so, pray about it, and if He leads you to, talk out it with the person. “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27
What’s the seventh key to happiness revealed by Jesus? Living harmoniously with others.
When you catch yourself gossiping or feeding into drama, what can you do encourage peace instead?