Advice from the future: Pursue Peace with OthersMatthew 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.How do we actively pursue peace?Hebrews 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.1 - Give Grace AbundantlyHebrews 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. How do we ensure that no one fails to receive the grace of God - we give grace - the best example.Romans 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.No one EVER has been more wronged than God.Isaiah 25 “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.Jeremiah God says… “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”Psalm 12 He (God) has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.Before we can give grace we have to understand grace and accept grace.Find your place in grace2 - Beat Bitterness AppropriatelyHebrews 15b Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.Unforgiveness — Bitterness — Corruption Ephesians 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.What happens when we don’t forgive?Matthew 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.You lose your place in grace.Romans 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.“this is more powerful and sweeter than forgetting, because if I can remember the sin and yet still love that person…Wow, God has done a miracle.”—UnknownColossians 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.