What steps can we take to prioritize peace in our communities and churches? Setting the Scene: The Wise Woman of Abel “I am a peaceable and faithful woman in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” Joab is ready to level the town of Abel-beth-maacah to capture Sheba. One unnamed woman steps forward, appealing for peace, and an entire city is spared. Her brief speech offers a practical blueprint for us today. Peace Begins with Identity • The woman identifies herself as “peaceable and faithful.” • She sees the city as “a mother in Israel”—worth saving, nurturing, protecting. Takeaway: Before we speak or act, we ask, “Am I approaching this as a peace-lover and as a faithful servant of the Lord?” Related verse: Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Peace is not merely what we do; it’s part of who we are. Listening and Dialogue: The First Practical Step Notice Joab listens. He halts the siege to hear her out. How we can imitate that: • Slow down conflict; create space to listen. • Encourage open communication circles in church and community meetings. • Affirm shared goals before addressing differences. Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Protecting the Innocent and Valuing the Whole Body The woman’s concern is the welfare of the entire city—“the LORD’s inheritance.” Steps we can take: • Evaluate how decisions affect the vulnerable (children, elderly, new believers). • Guard reputations; avoid gossip that can destroy. • Elevate community health over personal agendas. Romans 14:19 “So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Decisive, Righteous Action After dialogue, the town acts swiftly: they remove the actual threat—Sheba—without unnecessary collateral damage. Modern application: • Identify the real issue, not the imagined enemy. • Address sin directly but lovingly (Galatians 6:1). • Separate destructive influences from the fellowship while preserving the flock. James 3:17-18 reminds us that godly wisdom is “peace-loving… Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.” Cultivating Peace Within the Church Practical rhythms: 1. Regular reconciliation—practice Matthew 18 privately before conflicts spread. 2. Worship that unites—sing, read, and pray Scripture together to keep hearts aligned. 3. Shared service—working side by side on mission projects tightens bonds. Ephesians 4:3 “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Extending Peace to the Wider Community • Host open forums where neighbors can voice concerns. • Partner with local organizations for mercy ministries; tangible love calms suspicion. • Model civil discourse online and in public conversations. Psalm 34:14 “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Keeping the Momentum Peace is not a one-time fix but an ongoing pursuit. Like the woman of Abel, we repeatedly: • Affirm our identity in Christ. • Speak up when destructive forces threaten. • Seek solutions that protect rather than punish. • Act quickly, wisely, and with love. When a whole congregation does this, communities notice—and cities, like Abel-beth-maacah, are preserved rather than torn apart. |
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