It happens at home, amongst friends, in communities and across the world - conflict.

Keeping the peace can be hard and tiring; you can get really hurt too. So why should we do it?

There is a peacemaker so powerful he even united a Cardiff fan with a Stoke fan* this Sunday (!)... Jesus.

Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Mathew 5)

Believers are God's children, brothers and sisters. Peacekeeping is our family business. People, friends, family and Church family can hurt us. Working to reconcile conflict, peacemakers need forgiving hearts.

God says, forgive others. We may even need to say sorry when we feel we have done no wrong. We are often stubborn, proud. Are we willing to surrender all to reflect our Heavenly Father?

We are not perfect, all have fallen short. We all make mistakes, including The Church. We must be sure we don't do the work of the devilm but of the Father, God.

If we want to see communities transformed, we have to be peacemakers. The early church grew because people could see how they lived peacefully, loving each other. They were peacemakers.

We must have peace before we can become peacemakers. Jesus, Prince of Peace, said: "Peace I leave with you my peace I give you." We need to let peace rule in our hearts, like an anchor that can't be moved.

Jesus made peace for us on the cross. We are meant to keep this peace, calming troubles. The devil is a trouble maker, like a prowling lion looking to destroy peace. Those who are his are trouble makers; no wonder the world's in a mess!

We are not exempt from what goes on in the world. Following Jesus may even cause conflict in our lives. We will face storms and troubles, but the key is finding peace whilst going through them; learning to: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart...not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take'. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

To people today who have tattered lives, Jesus says: "Peace".

* (The Word by Andrew Williams, Pastor of Beddau Community Church - Cardiff fan; written by Sharron Hardwick - Stoke fan).

If you want to talk or would like us to pray for you, call 01834 831533. New Life Christian Fellowship meet at Kilgetty Community Centre, 10.45 am Sundays, all welcome.