When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Proverbs 16:7
You read the story of Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah, in 2 Chronicles 17. “His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord” (v. 6). He did not worship the Baal, but instead sent teachers to the cities of Judah to proclaim the “Book of the Law of the Lord” to the people. As a result, “the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat” (vv. 7-10).
God was pleased with him and took care of Judah.
While goodness in your life may not be as far-reaching, it will affect those around you.
A kind word, a joyous attitude, patience, and faithful attention to the needs of others are all the fruit of the Spirit that are visible to your neighbors, a friend, or the person ahead of you in the grocery store line.
Truly, the angry one can be disarmed by your soft-spoken word. The God of peace can calm the hearts of humans and can bring together even those who have been far apart.
He can turn those who have opposed you into being respectful of you as you live in obedience to God. The favor of God and the favor of men are joined together (Proverbs 3:4).
The God you trust and obey will give you the peace that only He can give. He is victorious and can bring your enemies to be at peace with you.
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