Peace With One Another – James 5:13-18 (Pastor Bob Cherry)
Sermon Series: One Another
Peace With One Another
James 5:13-18
Pastor Bob Cherry
January 21, 2024
Peace with One Another Involves:
- Putting On the Character of Christ
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
(Colossians 3:12-13)
“Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ… For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
(Romans 8:8-9 & 13-14)
- Prioritizing Love in Your Relationships
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
(Colossians 3:14)
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves… Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:9-10 & 17-18)
- Persevering in Becoming a Peacemaker
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
(Colossians 3:15-17)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
(Matthew 5:9)
Truth Peacemakers Understand about Conflict:
- Conflict is a slippery slope that the enemy (the devil) can use to distract, divide and destroy people.
- Conflict always provides an opportunity for people to grow, become more like Jesus and ultimately glorify God.
- Conflict causes us to either react or respond. Responding requires that we pray and think prior to responding to the conflict.
- If you keep “plowing the field” and searching to place blame, nothing positive can grow. In order to see growth and move forward, one must plant new seed and prayerfully and patiently wait for growth and good.
- Conflict is reduced when we “Think” before we speak.
“When there are many words, wrongdoing (sin) is unavoidable, But one who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19 – NASB)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
(Proverbs 15:1)
There is… “a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak…”
(Ecclesiastes 3:7)
Before you speak (or post), ask is it:
T – TRUE
H – HELPFUL
I – INSPIRING
N – NECESSARY
K – KIND