by Bro. RJ Rivera
Reading for the Day: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
You hate that feeling, don’t you? When you’re in a fight with someone you love or you’re friends with, you just get this gnawing feeling in your heart. It feels like the world around you is slowly and steadily getting smaller and smaller.
That’s why whenever I get the chance to make two people make peace, I don’t take it for granted. But oftentimes, I’m stuck with the choice of how I should approach it. They need that push, but if I push too hard, they get even more stubborn. When imperfect human emotions are hurt, advocating for peace seems an impossible task. But still, to be an advocate for peace is so difficult, and yet, so rewarding.
When you see two people– two opposing sides, become friends again, that is one of the best feelings in the world.
This is actually one of my favourite things about God: we were His enemies. And yet, because He understands us so much, He sends advocates to us instead of confronting us directly. For God to confront us directly? I wouldn’t even want to imagine how that would play out.
He sent His prophets to speak to the Israelites in the Old Testament, yet they refused to listen. But on Christmas, despite us refusing to make peace, our Heavenly Father sent the greatest Advocate of Peace: Jesus Christ.
But on Christmas, despite us refusing to make peace, our Heavenly Father sent the greatest Advocate of Peace: Jesus Christ.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Imagine all the sacrifice God made– all the tedious steps He took just for us to get the point: He loves us and wants to save us (1 Tim. 2:3-5)
Not only did Jesus become our Mediator, but He even handpicked men– apostles, that would also be advocates on His behalf (Romans 10:13-15) to make sure that we’re really making peace with Him.
God built a whole system just to make peace with us.
And now, I want you to look at yourself. You have been immensely blessed because of God bending His back over just to make peace with you.
This Christmas season, you might not be expecting an extravagant gift, but you’ve got one already staring at you. You might not have anything expensive to give to your loved ones, but you’ve got one begging to be shared with the rest of the world.
Be an advocate of peace. Seek to mend broken relationships this season– yes, even yours. But most importantly, advocate for the peace of God.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
There are people out there who misunderstand God’s intentions. But we understand, right? May we see it as our responsibility and privilege to advocate for God’s peace.
This Season of Joyful Sacrifice is actually an ideal time for us to do this. Though simple, a song is one of the most effective ways to appeal to a person’s heart. Who knows, maybe our slightly off-tune Feliz Navidad, silly Jingle Bell Rock, or even our 1st place shower talent show O Holy Night, will be the song that warms their cold hearts towards the peace of God.
Reflection: Are you, or someone close to you, going through a misunderstanding? If so, what steps are you taking to make sure the two make peace?
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