Fire on Fire?

Blessed are the peacemakers,
      for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

A soft (gentle) answer turns away wrath.  Proverbs 15:1

Props: box of matches, bucket of water

Preparation: If possible, plan to start a small contained fire during the lesson (Light a small piece of paper on fire inside a pan, for example).

When 2 people disagree, they sometimes take it a step further and begin to argue.  Then they take it one step up and begin to fight.  How many of you have ever had friends begin to fight? (Allow for response).  It’s tempting to step in and “take sides,” joining in the argument.  But we are called to be peacemakers, helping to bring peace to those who fight.  Fighting, arguing and disagreements are like fires that spread quickly and cause damage. 

(Display water and matches).  You can step in and be like water or fuel to the fire of disagreements.  If a fire started in this room, which would help to put it out—matches or water?  (Allow for response).  Water, of course.  Some people step in and add fuel to the fire by gossiping, spreading rumors, arguing, etc.   That only makes things worse.  But when you are a peacemaker, you are like water to the fire.  You stop the argument in its tracks and don’t let it grow anymore.  (Display water—or pour water on the fire if there is a real fire—as you give examples of what it means to be a peacemaker).  Being a peacemaker can mean refusing to spread gossip.  It can mean walking away when someone picks on you, or not talking back when someone calls you a name.  God may call you to be like Abram, and allow someone else to have what’s better so that there isn’t an argument.  But know this: when you choose to be a peacemaker in your own relationships or between others, God will bless you and give you a place of honor in His family.  Choose to be a peacemaker!