The third Mark of the Lamb is in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.” The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-25) In Luke 2:14, the angels sang, “Peace on earth, good will toward man.” Making peace with self and others are important! In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you…” Jesus came to bring and make peace through the blood of His cross, and calls us to be peacemakers. (Colossians 1:20; cf. Isaiah 53:4-5)
Peacemaking is God’s business, but personal peace comes before being a peacemaker! When peace rules in our heart, we have accepted reconciliation (settlement) with God, then, we can become a peacemaker. A peacemaker reconciles conflict between others and themselves. We must help to tear down walls that divide and constantly work for understanding. (John 13:34-35; cf. 15:12-14)
It is God’s grace, love, and peace for us that we should be called the children of God. (Galatians 1:3; cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a) The Christian life is a process of becoming more like Jesus. (Romans 8:29; 2 Timothy 2:19) When Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. In 1 John 3, God reveals how we grow to resemble Jesus. First, we must have Victory over sin (3:4-9). We have to turn from sin and intend not to do it anymore. Seek the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) Second, have Love for others (I John 3:10-18). Be willing to forgive (Matthew 6:12, 14-15); Third, have Confidence before God (3:19-24). We need to pattern our life after Jesus and walk in His Word! (John 15:7-10)
How do we have fellowship with God and one another?
1) If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:5-10; cf. John 8:12; cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
2) First John was written that we may not sin, and if we do, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous! (1 John 2:1-2; 4:10-11; Romans 8:34; cf. 3:24-26; Hebrews 2:14-18; John 1:29)
How do we walk in the footsteps of Jesus? (1 John 2:6; cf. 2 Peter 1:1-11)
1) Test of Knowing Jesus:(1 John 1:1-7; 4:12-16; cf. John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:4-5, 7-17; 13;12-17; Matthew 11:28-29)
2) Love your brother: (1 John 2:9-11; 3:13-15; Matthew 5:21-24; cf. 2 Corinthians 13:1-8a)
3) Love not the world: (1 John 2:15-17; cf. Romans 12:2, 9-21; Galatians 1:4; James 1:27; 4:4; Matthew 6:24; Ecclesiastes 5:10)
4) Lay down your lives for God and hurting people in this world: (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 4:7-11; 5:1-5; John 3:16; 15:12-13; Galatians 2:20; cf. Ezekiel 33:31-32)