Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Finding Peace In Our Relationships”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Title: Finding Peace in Our Relationships

“ Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. “Hebrews 12:14-15

Living in peace with everyone is one of the toughest things we will do. As kids, we may find it challenging to get along with our siblings, classmates, or even our friends at times. But Jesus wants us to pursue peace and love others, just as He loves us.
Peace is not the absence of conflict, but a by-product of commitment. It means choosing to forgive, understanding others, and working towards resolving conflicts. When we make an effort to live in peace, we can experience the joy and love that comes from having healthy relationships
The Bible reminds us that living in peace requires effort and holiness. It also warns us about the dangers of bitterness, which can harm our relationships and hinder our walk with God.
When we allow bitterness into our hearts, we may find ourselves getting angry at people for things they didn’t even do to us. It can lead to disappointment, resentment, and fill our relationships with jealousy and negativity. But when we choose to forgive and let go of bitterness, we can experience true peace and freedom.
Holiness leads to peace, but a lack of holiness can be a critical obstacle to having a close relationship with Jesus. When we have a right relationship with Jesus, it will also affect our relationships with others. We cannot live in peace with others if we are constantly creating conflict and destroying trust. Our actions and attitudes will either help or hinder our ability to share the Gospel and bring peace to those around us.
We may not have control over who we meet, but we have complete control over how we respond. Without peace, our attitude will add to the burden others carry instead of adding to the unity they need. However, through Jesus, we can make every effort to live in peace with others.
Our attitude towards others can greatly impact our day. When we choose to have a positive and loving attitude, it can brighten our interactions with others and bring joy to our own hearts. On the other hand, if we have a negative or resentful attitude, it can create tension and make our day more difficult. Let us strive to have a Christ-like attitude of love, forgiveness, and peace in all our interactions. What can you do to provide peace in the presence of problems? When faced with problems or conflicts, we can choose to respond with peace instead of adding to the chaos. Here are a few things we can do to provide peace:
1.Pray: Seek God’s guidance and ask for His peace to fill your heart and the situation.
2.Listen: Take the time to listen and understand the other person’s perspective
.3.Forgive: Choose to forgive and let go of any grudges or bitterness.
4.Communicate: Express your thoughts and feelings calmly and respectfully.
5.Seek resolution: Work towards finding a solution that is fair and beneficial for everyone involved.
Remember, it is not always easy to provide peace in the presence of problems, but with God’s help, we can choose to respond in a way that brings healing and restoration.

Thought for Reflection Think about the relationships in your life that may need Jesus’ restoration. Are there any conflicts or hurts that you need to forgive and let go of? Remember that Jesus is always ready to help us restore and heal our relationships when we come to Him with a humble and forgiving heart. How can your attitude toward others shape your day today?

Song
II’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for teaching us about the importance of living in peace with others. Help us to be holy and to seek peace in all our relationships. Give us the strength to forgive and love others, even when it is difficult. Guide us in our actions and attitudes so that we can reflect Your love and bring peace to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.