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Appetizer # 10

# 10 Dedication – commit oneself to a certain cause.

“I will never attend an anti-war rally; if you have a peace rally, invite me.” Mother Teresa

Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you (recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all) – your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in (intelligent and sympathetic) appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line (the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, (and) be very patient with everybody (always keeping your temper) I Thessalonians 5:12-14 AMP

In the Old Testament of the bible, war was necessary to conquer territories, protect kingdoms, and for the right to worship God.  It was not just to create conflict; there was always a necessary reason.

Conflict is not something we want to engage in for attention, our own selfish needs, or because someone made us angry. When we start acting out of anger towards anything, we create danger.

So to keep peace, we have to be a peacemaker. How does that look, you ask? Well read the Gospels where Jesus went about doing good; healing the sick, the lame, the afflicted. He also ate and talked with despised Samaritans, tax collectors and criminals ~ those who were deceitful and unkind.

Yet, His kindness turned their wayward ways into believers of how their lives could generate positive effects that will want people coming back for more. So it’s not easy being angry, it’s actually demeaning and life threatening. So infect others with kindness and trust, so you too can be trusted.







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