Liberty and Freedom

Ever heard the quote, Freedom isn't free?

I married a military man. Forty three years (almost). It's in October. He would say it's still 42. I love that about him. Our perspectives, like any marriage, comes with companionship, opinions, thoughts, patterns, behaviors, and differences. The most important thing is that it comes from love.

We have learned to look at each other, preferring one another, through love. Our example, besides walking out all the things that didn't work, is to experience for ourselves the one true love, Christ. Where we were many years ago, is not where we are now or will be tomorrow.

For many years, both of us, in commonality, were both peacekeepers, me more than him. So I'll concentrate on the most well known peacekeeper, me. Peacekeeper:

Someone or something that works to maintain peace between hostile individuals or groups.

Sounds great! Sounds honorable. I can get behind that. It's a good thing, right? Peacemaker:

One who MAKES peace by reconciling parties.

Let us take this one step further.

Peacekeeper is often passive and avoids confrontation. My hand is raised. I didn't like to ruffle feathers with others. It's only surface level. The underlying issues are unresolved and sometimes resentment builds. Yes, this was also me. I thought it was my job to forgive (it is), but I never dealt with any conflict. There was a false peace (I certainly wasn't experiencing real peace) to go along and get along.

This is not freedom nor is it liberty. Peacemaker, on the other hand is one who takes an active approach in tension. While there may be short term (or long term) criticism or disproval, the point is for authentic relationship. It seeks understanding (both sides are important) and reconciliation through both TRUTH and LOVE. To be who God created you, through Christ, our greatest example of how to live and die, paid the price, so ultimately we do not get what we deserve (mercy) and get what we don't deserve (grace).

This is vital in becoming a peacekeeper. You deal with what is happening or an issue. Aim for understanding (both yourself and others). No punishment. Give favor. Love is the motive.

How does the Word say to handle it?

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Like father, like son or daughter!

Matthew 5:23-24 If you are presenting your offering upon the altar, and remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your offering there, first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and present your offering.

It's pretty clear, we are not to leave something unresolved. Unless you bury something so deep you can't even recollect it, but most of us, like me have a good memory of who isn't on the best terms with us. It relates to those who I know and they know me.

Matthew 18:15 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen, you have won them over.

This verse is about within a church and has several more verses. Pointing to this verse because we are to care for others. It helps save heartache in the long run. Restoration is the point if possible.

One more verse for good measure. Want to avoid someone coming to you and pointing out your misdeeds or sins? James 5:16 TPT Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another (Greek uses confess your sins) and then pray for one another to be healed, for tremendous power is released through the heartfelt prayer of a godly believer.

I mean I've confessed and asked the Lord to forgive me, isn't that enough? I would tell you that never, at least in my life, has my sin only affected me. So, liberty and freedom.....it can be costly. Peacemaking isn't for the faint of heart. You might be misunderstood. It often requires sacrifice and letting go of the offense even if the other person does not. They might not receive from you. Their anger may flare and direct back at you. They may want to unravel their issues about you, but not hear any part they played or how you feel. It's risky. Do it anyway. Free yourself.

Romans 8:1-2 TPT So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. For the law of the Sprit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the law of sin and death.

This is freedom! This is liberty! Share it with yourself! Share it with others! For peacemaking is daily life, risked with His love through you.

Risk.

Keys to Whole Living