1/22/23 - Go and make peace - Matthew 5:20-26 - Pastor Jason Fritz

If you’ve ever had conflict in your life, then Sunday’s message is for you. We’ve all been in situations where our feelings have been hurt. We have been wronged or mistreated and this causes stress and anxiety. The hard truth of the matter is that we also have been on the other side of that equation. We have been the one hurting others. This might be a stranger, neighbor, classmate, coworker, probably a family member or spouse. It could be the person sitting next to you at church this week. The opportunities for strife come when we are in close proximity with one another. So go ahead and think of the person’s name...   If the relationship is going to be made whole, then it will require something from you and it will not be easy. Some people run from conflict and avoid it entirely, others run toward it and make it worse. The words we read from Jesus today will help. They give clarity for what you should do next and how to do it. If it requires you to speak to the person, then you’ll know how to do that in a way that honors them and God at the same time. When Jesus was here on earth He talked a lot about the Kingdom of God. In fact, that was His whole mission while among humanity. He said the Kingdom of God is at hand and blessed are the peacemakers. His Kingdom is one of peace and it begins with reconciliation between us and our creator God. If the kingdom of God is at hand that means it is here right now. If we are going to get a sample of God’s kingdom brought to earth, then we must live as Jesus did. What a blessing to give a taste of heaven to those around us!