Live Happy … Today – Day 21

Today, I want to share another secret with you for living a happy life: Become a peacemaker.

Some time ago, I heard someone say he thinks he is addicted to peace. Formerly, he wanted his opinion to be right and to win every argument. Now, he realises that the person who makes peace his/her goal and is willing to say sorry first, not only has true wisdom, but walks away as the winner. I agree completely.

The world may label peacemakers as weak, but Jesus, in Matthew 5:9, calls them children of God: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

The world may tell you, you have every right to build a grudge against someone who has hurt you or to hurt them back, but in Ephesians 4:26-27 we read: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

And the world may convince you that success is our goal, no matter how many people you hurt on your way, how many enemies you make or how many bridges you burn, but in Colossians 3:15 we read: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Does that mean you should never speak your mind? Of course not. If there is an issue at hand, address it, but do it with the goal to reconcile and not to hurt another person or to leave a broken relationship behind. This brings discord, not peace.

With peace in our lives, we make better decisions, we have a better perspective on difficult situations and we hear God’s voice more clearly, and we prevent offenses, bitterness, fear or aggression from forming blockages in our relationship with God.

I can testify that my life is not only simpler, but also happier since I started to be the first person to reach out to say sorry, even though I was not the only one wrong in a situation. I forgive easily, because I do not want to give the enemy a foothold in my life and I have chosen to make the peace of God my goal.

Therefore, become a peacemaker by putting your own selfish desires aside for a moment and remind yourself that God is sovereign. He can fight on your behalf. All you need to do is make peace your goal and I can guarantee you a happier life today. God bless.