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https://www.littlelessonslearnedbydana.com/blog
 Photo by NastyaSensei at Pexels.com In church today, we talked about finding peace at Christmas. It was so fitting, as peace is next on the list of the 12 Things That Money Can’t Buy series. Something that really resonated with me was when our pastor explained the difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. As similar as they may sound, they actually are quite different. Let’s take a closer look at both, shall we? Peacekeepers Photo by Sofia Alejandra at Pexels.com People who strive to be peacekeepers are always trying to smooth the waters and keep situations under control. These people aim to keep everyone calm and content, but that is often at the expense of ignoring the true issues. At times it may seem their role is more of a referee, than problem solver. Peacekeepers try to put out fires with Band-Aid solutions, tread softly, and tell themselves that “picking your battles” each time is the best choice. Confrontation is awkward and uncomfortable for peacekeepers, so they prefer to at times do the minimum needed to “keep the peace,” which often includes not bringing up the hard or sensitive issues. While this may work for a brief time, the problem lies in that, often with this type of approach, the issues are still very raw under the surface and do not receive the attention they need. Let’s look at the alternative, the peacemakers. Peacemakers Photo by Timur Weber at Pexels.com Peacemakers are very different from peacekeepers. It has been said that peacekeepers avoid conflict, but peacemakers transform it. For the peacemaker, they realize that things probably have to get worse before they get better, and they are willing to do the work and take that risk. Peacemakers aren’t troublemakers. They are actually very brave. They have realized that peace isn’t the absence of conflict, but instead they know that it is the presence of truth, grace, and resolution. It takes a lot of time and energy to be a peacemaker. It can get messy, uncomfortable, and awkward, but peacemakers keep the end goal in sight, knowing that the hard conversations will pay off in the end. Relationships that are essential to you deserve that type of time and attention to keep them healthy and thriving. Without the qualities of a peacemaker, resentment, bitterness, and anger can set in, and those attributes are toxic to vital relationships. Where do you see yourself? So, would you say that you are a peacekeeper, peacemaker, or a bit of both? Truth be told, I see now that many times when I thought I was doing the right thing, I was really just peacekeeping. No wonder the same issues kept coming up over and over again. This sermon was a real eye-opener for me, and I hope the topics discussed hit home with you as well. Regardless of where you fall on the continuum, the truth of the matter is that really finding peace this season, first and foremost comes from having a relationship with Jesus. I heard a lesson in Sunday School which simplifies it very well: No Jesus – No Peace, or Know Jesus – Know Peace. That is it in a nutshell. Very straightforward indeed. My friends, we don’t know what the future holds, but we know that with Jesus by our side, we can ride the waves together. We will never be alone, and that in itself brings peace. Call to Action
I am wishing you heavenly peace this season and always. Until next time, Dana Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2025
Tags: FindingTruePeace, PeacekeepersVsPeacemakers, ChristmasPeace, FaithAndPeace, ChristianLiving, RelationshipsMatter, PeaceThisSeason, KnowJesusKnowPeace, SpiritualGrowth, HeartLessons, LittleLessonsLearnedbyDana
1 Comment
Stacey Pardoe
12/15/2025 05:39:21 am
It's interesting you're writing on this! It's a topic that's been coming up frequently in conversations here lately! Thanks for this, friend! Leave a Reply. |
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