How can we "make wars cease" in our personal relationships today? Setting the Scene Psalm 46:9 declares, “He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire”. The same God who silences nations is eager to silence the hidden battles raging in our homes, marriages, workplaces, and friendships. What God Does in Global Wars—What He Wants in Personal Wars • He makes wars cease → He desires the end of our grudges, rivalries, and cold shoulders. • He breaks the bow → He dismantles the weapons we use—cutting words, sarcasm, manipulation. • He shatters the spear → He crushes the sharper offenses we hurl—betrayals, bitterness. • He burns the shields → He consumes the defenses we hide behind—pride, self-justification, silent treatment. Practical Steps to Let Him “Break the Bow” Between Us 1. Invite His rule over the conflict. • “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7). • Confess the fight as sin, asking Him to take command. 2. Examine the heart behind the clash. • “What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Do they not come from the passions at war within you?” (James 4:1). • Identify cravings for control, recognition, or comfort that fuel the dispute. 3. Trade weapons for grace. • Replace accusations with gentle truth (Ephesians 4:15). • Swap rehearsed rebuttals for quick repentance (Proverbs 28:13). 4. Pursue reconciliation promptly. • “Leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:24). • Face-to-face apologies dismantle strongholds faster than online messages. 5. Overwhelm the cycle with blessing. • “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). • Speak life: affirm the other’s value, even while addressing wrongs. 6. Keep the circle small. • “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately” (Matthew 18:15). • Gossip multiplies fronts in the war; private dialogue narrows it. 7. Practice ongoing forgiveness. • “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). • Forgiveness is a decisive act and a daily choice whenever old wounds resurface. Tools God Gives for Ongoing Peace • The indwelling Spirit—Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” • Scripture—Psalm 119:165: “Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction.” • Fellowship—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: mutual support keeps tempers in check. • The Lord’s Table—a continual reminder of the cost of peace (1 Corinthians 11:24-26). Living the “Ceasefire” Lifestyle • Speak peace into conversations before tension escalates. • Watch tone as closely as content; gentle words turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). • Celebrate small victories—every calm discussion is a glimpse of Psalm 46:9 in action. • Stay humble; ongoing surrender keeps bows broken and spears shattered. Assurance to Keep Us Steady “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). His power, not our tactics, puts an end to every relational war. When He reigns, skirmishes surrender, and genuine peace takes their place. |
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