9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Devotional
Relational Health: Being Peacemakers
Stress and burnout can cause us to project our pain and exhaustion on
others — usually those closest to us. Some people respond to burnout by
lashing out in anger and storming around in a rage as their lives are
falling apart.
Exhaustion can cause us to shut down and stop communicating with our
spouse or our friends. And by “communicating,” I mean both talking and
listening. We no longer feel connected to those around us, and we begin
not to care about nurturing those relationships that God has placed in
our lives.
After not communicating for a while, resentment can develop. Our spouses
or friends may not feel comfortable opening up to us anymore, and
bitterness can be formed and directed toward us, toward the church, and
even toward God.
*Reflect:
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus directs us to be “peacemakers.” It will take
effort and intentionality on our part to bring balance back into our
relationships. We are to make peace and strive for unity.
Have you cut off communication with people because you’re feeling burned
out? Write down their names and a trait you admire about each one of
them. Then write down a date you will contact them, making amends if
necessary.
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