Monday, September 1st: Peacemaking isn’t the same as peace-keeping—Jesus blesses peacemakers, people who roll up their sleeves to create what isn’t there yet. In this episode we reclaim shalom as wholeness with God, self, others, and our place—not the thin quiet that comes from avoiding hard things. We look at how the cross is God’s pattern for peace: truth named, sin confronted, and restoration pursued through costly love. Jesus makes peace “by the blood of His cross,” and that becomes our template for conflict. We contrast peace-faking and peace-breaking with true peacemaking that tells the truth, owns our part, and seeks repair. Practically, we walk six moves: truth-telling, confession, concrete repair, wise boundaries, justice with mercy, and perseverance “as far as it depends on you.” Listeners get simple weekly practices—the Shalom Examen, the GO path (Go to God, Own your part, Go to the person, Offer repair), praying blessing over opponents, and taking one costly step. We also tackle common myths (“forgive = forget,” “peacemaking = appeasement”) and replace them with Jesus-shaped wisdom. Scripture anchors include Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 2:11–18; Colossians 1:19–22; Romans 12:9–21; and James 3:13–18. The call to action: choose one relationship this week and do the next faithful, costly thing that sounds like your Father.

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