Daily Bible Reading Plans to help you read and understand God’s Word

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:9, Isaiah 32:17-18, 1 Samuel 24:1-22, Ephesians 2:14-20, 1 Peter 3:10-12, Romans 14:16-19

A few decades ago, when I was in the fifth grade, I landed my first (unpaid) job as an official conflict mediator at my school. The mediators were a group of older kids tasked with helping classmates work through small disagreements and conflicts. (You stole my pencil! He was mean to me, etc.) And y’all—I took that role more seriously than I’ve probably taken any job since.

I walked the halls of our school, on the lookout for the next disagreement where I might help bring understanding and peace. I only remember about three situations where we actually got to mediate, but they were exhilarating. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy helping other kids discover common ground.

When you’re a child, the concept of peace feels so much easier to grasp. It seems more attainable. Peace was simpler to find—and easier to keep. But somewhere along the way, many of us have grown quieter, slower, and less intentional about the pursuit of peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” 
—Matthew 5:9

When we see neighbors struggling, when tension rises within our families, when disagreements fracture the body of Christ...do we step in boldly and compassionately?

I love the story in 1 Samuel 24 because it offers us one of the clearest pictures of the peacemaking God calls us to. After living on the run for so long, David was given the perfect opportunity to end his conflict with King Saul. One strike could have secured David’s throne. Yet he refused. He sensed the Spirit’s restraint, remembered who Saul was in God’s eyes, and chose peace over pride (1Samuel 24:6–7). David, a man after God’s own heart, didn’t gain the kingdom through force. He gained it through surrender, humility, and obedience to God’s way of peace.

That same calling rests on us. Something deep in our hearts longs for peace—in our homes, our relationships, and our communities—yet so few of us actively pursue it. It often feels more comfortable to cling to our preconceptions, our opinions, and our preferences than to seek peace and extend the love of Jesus to those we disagree with. But Scripture tells us that Jesus Himself has already “put the hostility to death” through the cross (Ephesians 2:16). If our Savior destroyed division, why do we continue to cling to it?

Why do we search for peace in careers, accomplishments, or even on our cell phones—only to come up empty?

If we want the life Christ died to give us, God’s Word is clear: “Seek peace and pursue it” (1Peter 3:11). Peace isn’t passive. It’s a path we walk and a posture we choose with Jesus every single day.

Lord, help us to truly pursue Your peace today—boldly, humbly, and with open hands. Make us peacemakers who look like You everywhere we go. Amen.

Written by Abby Flynn