"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or
fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's
family." (Matt 5:9, MSG)
"Blessed [are] the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." (Matt
5:9, NKJV)
Peace in a world constantly at war is very trying.
Encouraging cooperation in schools where students compete is quite difficult,
but not impossible. It all depends on the teacher's focus. Those who come
through and promote cooperation and peace with subliminal success are the ones
who never give up, the ones who have a heart after our Heavenly Father who urges
us to live in peace and cooperation. It's then that we are truly part of God's
family.
Who in their right mind would prefer to promote competition and fighting within
their own families? This would be insane; still many do so, and they are the
ones who end up fed up with life. There is a much better way: promoting peace
and cooperation, creating a heavenly atmosphere, so that everyone can enjoy what
we were meant to be: A Godly family that will secure eternal rewards. It all
depends upon where our priorities lay.
A French journalist decided to see for himself how Jews were treated in Paris.
He disguised himself as a Jew, with fringes and a kippa. A bodyguard was nearby,
as well as a cameramen who had his camera hidden in his backpack. Deep down,
this journalist was scared. As he went through a neighborhood where women's
heads were covered with veils, most people were shocked to see him walking in
their midst. Some avoided him, others looked at him with contempt, others were
scared. One little
boy exclaimed: "Why is he here? Doesn't he know he will be killed here?" A
nearby merchant cried out: "You should be ashamed! What are you doing here
wearing a kippa?"
Herein lies the danger of coming to hasty conclusions: "All of these people are
filled with hatred! They should be exterminated!" Doing so would put us at the
same level of those promoting hatred.
Nonetheless, many in such neighborhoods would do anything to promote peace and
cooperation, saving those who many consider their enemies.
In January 2015, a kosher grocery market was taken over by terrorists. Upon
hearing the commotion and gunfire, one Muslim employee turned off the stockroom
freezer and hid several Jews inside. His quick thinking saved the lives of these
Jews, and they were quite grateful to him.
In the same terrorist attack, four Jews found themselves right in the middle of
where the action occurred. They were unable to hide, and they were shot. One
immigrant from Morocco sure will miss his Jewish friend. With sadness he stated:
"I am Muslim and my friend who is dead was Jewish. There was such respect
between us. We were like brothers!"
We can all live in peace. It all depends upon where our priorities lay. It
depends on our reality: love or hatred. Love is truly the divine choice.
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.