My brother Eric is two years older than me, and my sister Lisa is five years younger. Where does this place me? Smack dab in the middle — this has been my birth order hangout for over 60 years. Middle-borns tend to be relatively less biased and more levelheaded; they tend also to be more easygoing. But perhaps the chief characteristic among my ilk is this: disliking conflict, we tend to mediate among others for win-win solutions and amiable relationships. Blessed are the middle borns (or at least their group-hug tendencies).
There is a downside to being an easygoing, levelheaded peacemaker, however: we are especially burdened by discord and contentiousness. How ironic that we who seek peace among others lose our own peace in the process. But it can happen, so what do we do? Here are a few thoughts that might prove helpful . . .
Start in your heart. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all,”1 wrote Paul to believers in Rome. He likewise urged the Ephesian church to walk “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”2
Don’t quit. Strive for peace, even among those less inclined toward it. “Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding,”3 wrote Paul, and in Hebrews we read, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”4
Don’t try to do what only God can do. We are called to be vessels of peace and intercessors for peace, but true peace — both in and among us — is of God, not us. Paul encouraged the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”5 The apostle likewise pointed the Corinthians to our source of peace: “Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.6
Remember, obedience today yields fruit tomorrow. “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”7
Keep going, peacemakers! The world needs you “sons of God.”8
Father, there is so much strife around us and within us, but Jesus himself is our peace.9 In the liberty of this truth and grace, send us forward as peacemakers, whatever that entails today. In Christ we pray. Amen.
1 Romans 12:18 ESV
2 Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV
3 Romans 14:19 ESV
4 Hebrews 12:14 ESV
5 Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
6 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV
7 James 3:18 ESV
8 Matthew 5:9 ESV
9 Ephesians 2:14 NIV
Paul Nordman—Author 