Most of are probably familiar with these words of Christ from the Sermon on the Mount. But how often do we really take it to heart? It is so easy for us to pick up our weapons and go out into the battlefield to fight our enemies, rather than try to sit with them and figure out a peaceful resolution to whatever dispute is causing a problem. This accounts for the vast majority of the wars that have taken place throughout history that have taken countless lives. This also accounts for the divisions we see in the body of Christ, of which we are all a part. For words can be used as weapons as well.

At various points in our daily lives we are all guilty in some fashion of not promoting peace. We need to strive to be children of God by promoting peace. It may be mending fences with a neighbor, it may be reconciling oneself with someone who was hurt by words spoken, or it may be building strong bridges to each other so that we can be of comfort and encouragement to each other.

Promoting peace among ourselves and those we come in contact with falls well within the sign of discipleship to Christ, that we love one another as He loves us (John 13:34-35). It also conforms to the apostle Paul's teaching to "owe no one anything, except to love one another" (Romans 13:8). By this will others know that we are God's children, for they will see His light shining in us and be drawn to Him.

So before the figurative or literal swords are drawn, please stop and think. Is this how a child of God would act? Is this what a disciple of Christ is like? Is there not a better, more peaceful way of resolving our dispute? Waging peace is much more profitable than waging war, for it benefits all sides. And who knows? In the process you may gain a friend and sibling in Christ.